Good News for Young San Diegans on International Youth Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Marine Mammal Foundation
Media Contact: Kristina Martz, ex******************@**mf.org
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA – Local nonprofit, the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) has been awarded a two-year grant from the Prebys Foundation’s Youth Workforce: Career Pathways Initiative to provide paid internship opportunities in marine mammal science, medicine, and care. This funding will help the NMMF and its partners connect college aged youth to career opportunities in marine science, conservation, veterinary medicine, psychology, computer science, engineering, and more.
The grant is part of a $6 million investment in 17 San Diego County nonprofits over two years to address the region’s youth unemployment crisis. California currently ranks among the top five states for teen unemployment at 21.2%, and young adults face barriers to steady employment, especially those impacted by economic hardship.
“San Diego’s young people bring energy, innovation, and resilience to our community,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. “The Youth Workforce initiative invests in pathways to steady, livable wages, empowering young adults to build wealth, contribute their talents, and thrive right here in San Diego County.”
The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, which is homeported in Point Loma, hosts approximately 45 interns each year to provide dynamic and immersive educational experience in the marine science field. For over 15 years, the NMMF has administered this well-established internship program, building in field trips, lecture series, and career mentorship. With this support from the Prebys Foundation, the NMMF will provide a stipend to each entry level and advanced level intern to help defer the costs of participating in the program. Beginning with the Spring 2026 semester and continuing through the Fall 2027 semester, it is anticipated that this will encourage candidates to apply who could not previously due to financial constraints.
Erika Putman, NMMF’s Director of Internships, who herself has almost 25 years of experience coordinating the undergraduate internship program, underscored, “Since 2000, the San Diego-based program has hosted over 900 interns. The semester-long experience is a proven gateway to careers within the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program (MMP) and the STEM workforce.” She added, “15-20% of interns go on to enroll in graduate degree programs in marine science, 20% are hired directly by Navy contractors that support the MMP, and 50% enter careers in STEM fields, including animal care, bioacoustic research, conservation, healthcare, education, cognitive science, and veterinary medicine.”
While internships are a common way to enter the marine science workforce, unpaid positions limit accessibility, leading to recent calls for increased paid internship opportunities. The NMMF has prioritized growing community partnerships that extend the reach of this unique college-to-career program and the K-12 workshops that cultivate interest and confidence in STEM pathways.
“Reducing the financial barrier to internships is a critical step in expanding access to a broader range of students, and for over two years, the NMMF has actively pursued funding to flip this switch,” explained Dr. Cynthia Smith, NMMF’s President and CEO.
Through this grant, the NMMF and its partners will help foster sustainable and fulfilling careers for the next generation entering the workforce.
“It is an honor to be selected for this grant, and be recognized among so many other fantastic local organizations for the contributions that we make to empower youth starting out in the workforce here in San Diego County,” said Celeste Parry, NMMF’s Director of Community Engagement. “We are immensely grateful for the support from the Prebys Foundation, which will level up our efforts to open accessible pathways to careers in marine mammal science, medicine, technology, and other STEM fields.”
This work will embolden the NMMF and Prebys Foundation’s aligned goals to expand access to internship and mentorship opportunities that foster sustainable paths towards long-term, rewarding careers in San Diego.
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About National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF)
The NMMF is a San Diego, CA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognized globally as a leader in marine mammal science, medicine, and conservation. Their team of experts is tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans, marine mammals, and our coastal ecosystems. They are answering critical questions about the health of the world’s dolphins, porpoises, and whales, and the habitats they rely on, and translating their research into applicable medicine and species conservation. Through ocean-based STEM workshops and internship opportunities, they are engaging thousands of students each year to inspire and empower future generations of ocean leaders and STEM professionals. Learn more at nmmf.org.
About Prebys Foundation
Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County. The foundation works to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans. For more information, visit prebysfdn.org.
