Challenge- Expose a new generation to SCUBA diving and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in our oceans.

Solution– Develop expeditions specifically for students and create long term internship opportunities. Empower a new generation of ocean ambassadors by creating programs for students to help promote:

• Self confidence
• Leadership opportunities
• Community service

Previous generations grew up watching Jacques Cousteau specials on television. They were captivated with a sense of awe as the beauty and drama of a previously unknown world unfolded before them, one new fascinating story at a time. Sadly, ask a high school student today who Jacques Cousteau was, and you’re more likely to get a blank stare than a fond recollection of any of his work onboard the vessel Calypso. Cousteau not only shared stories, but also the importance of protecting the undersea world for future generations.

The Imaging Foundation offers two student programs. The goal of each is to create opportunities for both academically successful students and at-risk students who have shown great potential.

The Imaging Foundation creates edu-taining productions. By inviting students to be part of this effort we are:

1. Augmenting our efforts by inviting fresh input from a new generation
2. Showing students how they can make a difference using creative media

We have two types of student programs:

Student Scholars Program
This ambitious program requires an application and only a few students are selected to participate. The rigorous course typically takes a student through diving, water safety skills, animal behavior, and A to Z documentary production development.

Student Internship Program
Typically the student internship program involves one special student per year. Highly skilled, mature, and self-motivated students are selected to participate in this in depth intern experience. Student Interns are expected to design and execute an independent program. While Foundation leaders will oversee each student intern's program the student intern shoulders the responsibility for the success of their program. Often this involves leading teams of adults and students.

Program Funding
Students typically fund their own program. We have created a fundraising tool kit for students who are interested in participating in expeditions and have a financial need. The kit includes proven fundraising ideas and donation request letters that were created by past interns. This kit requires the student to work hard towards raising the requisite funds, but puts IF programs within the reach of all interested students.