REAL STUDENTS - REAL CHALLENGES - REAL IMPACT
Welcome to WHALEFALL
Where Education Meets Ocean Conservation
High School Programs
UNDERGRADUATE Programs
Middle School Programs
Professional Training
We are a nonprofit dedicated to empowering a global network of students, educators, and community members who are passionate about restoring and protecting our oceans. Through hands-on, experiential programs, we equip the next generation of environmental leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to be at the forefront of marine conservation and ecosystem restoration. If you're concerned about our planet's ecosystems, you're in the right place. Together, we are driving tangible solutions meaningful impact through project-based learning.
IMMERSIVE EDUCATION that EXPLOREs TOOLS USED ON THE FRONT LINE OF CONSERVATION
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Field Biology
Students immerse themselves in the dynamic world of field biology, engaging in hands-on research, conducting indicator species surveys, and analyzing vital ecological data. Through this experience, participants gain firsthand insight into the life of a scientific diver, contributing to groundbreaking projects focused on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity preservation, such as coral reef restoration.
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Impact Engineering
Students delve into the cutting-edge world of Blue Tech, where marine technology powers sustainable solutions for environmental, social, and economic challenges. Through hands-on experiences, students will explore underwater robotics, remote sensing, machine learning, and open-source development, equipping themselves with the tools to address critical issues facing our oceans and communities.
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Conservation Media
Students master the art of using media to communicate the vital messages of conservation science through film, photography, writing, and digital storytelling. They will create powerful micro-documentaries, exploring topics ranging from the timeless wisdom of coastal community elders to the pressing impacts of climate change and unsustainable practices on marine species. By honing their storytelling and science communication skills, students learn how to raise awareness and inspire the positive environmental change our world urgently needs.
Offerings
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Expeditions
Offered as a standalone program or as the capstone of an in-school course, this opportunity allows students to apply their learning through hands-on workshops in real-world field environments. Students prototype solutions on-site, testing their designs, while also collecting open science data used by researchers.
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Summer Immersion
Our flagship program offers an in-depth exploration of climate impact solutions, developed in close collaboration with our community partners. The curriculum centers around an Environmental Impact Project, equipping students to engage in real-world research and conservation efforts on location.
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WORKSHOPS & COURSES
Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to align with your institution’s educational goals, combining place-based experiential learning with hands-on engagement. Using a backward design approach, we focus on an Environmental Impact Project that empowers students to actively contribute to real-world research and conservation efforts.
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MARINE TECH CAREER EXPERIENCE
In this immersive, hands-on experience, students have just six hours to tackle a series of tasks centered around a real-world ecosystem challenge. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, they will engage in scientific scuba diving, operate remotely controlled vehicles, and navigate the complexities of conveying scientific findings to a global audience.
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Future Leaders
Professional Training in Climate Action, Sustainability, Underwater Field Research, and Dive Leadership. A comprehensive professional training and certification course that includes over 30 hours of online instruction, a minimum of 100 additional hours of hands-on training, and a mentorship period where students actively support the leadership team in executing an expedition.
At WHALEFALL, we believe in a world where students from across the globe come together as a unified force, harnessing their collective knowledge and passion to tackle real environmental challenges. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to lead purposeful lives dedicated to preserving and enhancing our planet's ecosystems. Our network empowers students to collaborate on impactful solutions that sustainably nurture and protect the natural world for generations to come.
Honduras
Honduras
Negros Island
Negros Island
Anacapa
The Revillagigedo Islands
Bonaire
Get Involved
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SCHOOLS & STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Partner with WHALEFALL to bring our suite of experiential education to your students.
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STUDENTS
Don't let finances hold you back from becoming a change maker. We encourage you to apply for our immersive programs—your potential to impact the environment and communities is limitless, and we are here to support you, no matter your financial situation.
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COMMUNITY MEMBER
If you’re a community member who values equitable access to STEAM education and a sustainable future, your donation can help us expand our reach and ensure that more students from diverse backgrounds have the chance to learn, grow, and lead in environmental science.
radically different
Our program offers a uniquely transformative experience that sets students apart from traditional educational paths. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical learning, students engage directly in real-world projects that contribute to advancing environmental solutions. This hands-on approach provides high school students with opportunities typically reserved for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
What truly distinguishes our program is its focus on both emerging technologies and a cross-disciplinary approach. We bring together experts from diverse fields—biologists, engineers, storytellers, historians—to collaborate and break down traditional academic silos. This innovative blend of disciplines fosters creative, impactful solutions to complex challenges.
We invite you to explore our materials and discover how our program is not just about education but about making a meaningful difference in the world.
The Dedicated People Behind WHALEFALL
WHALEFALL is comprised of a dedicated community of passionate volunteers united by a common goal: to ensure equitable education for all students and foster scalable solutions for marine conservation. WHALEFALL began as a high school pilot program in 2012, and has evolved over the years through many iterations. In 2025 WHALEFALL has a newly refined mission and includes a vibrant network of scientists, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, many of whom are experts in their respective fields.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education that empowers them to understand and protect our planet’s marine ecosystems. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and innovative programs, we aim to empower the next generation of environmental stewards, while creating meaningful change that ripples across communities and policy landscapes.
Our work is grounded in collaboration. With over a decade of success and the dedication of many long-standing volunteers, we have developed programs that create real, measurable impact in students’ lives. As people witness the transformation firsthand—both in the classroom and in the real world—they are inspired to join us in advancing our mission. WHALEFALL continues to grow and thrive, thanks to the commitment of our diverse team, the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, and the unwavering belief that scalable solutions to marine challenges start with the education of tomorrow’s leaders.
Silver Bank, 2024
Why the name WHALEFALL?
One whale can capture 33 tons of carbon dioxide over its life, and in death a whale fall supports an entire ocean ecosystem for decades. We should all live our lives like a whale and leave future generations and this planet better than when we arrived.