Black Tech Link’s BIPOC Coastal Research Program (BCRP) offers underrepresented college students in Southern California hands-on training in marine science and environmental data. Students build field research skills, earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification, and learn GIS data visualization. The program helps prepare them for careers as technicians and researchers in marine biology, environmental science, and oceanography.
2026 Program at a Glance
Applications Open
October 20, 2025.
Deadline to Apply for the 2026 Cohort is February 3rd, 2026.
2026 Program at a Glance
Core Field & Technical Training
A 12-week curriculum focused on foundational marine science skills.
- PADI Certification: Students earn their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver certification, which allows them to conduct safe and effective underwater research.
- Water Quality Testing: Participants conduct water quality tests in local coastal ecosystems and analyze key environmental indicators to understand pollution impacts.
- Biodiversity Tracking: Students use digital tools such as iNaturalist to record species and help build local conservation data.
Advanced Research & Data Communication
Students are trained to apply their skills to real-world environmental challenges and communicate their findings.
- Field Excursions: The program includes several diving trips and field excursions, with special research projects at the Tijuana River Estuary.
- Geospatial Analysis: Students learn to use Esri ArcGIS software for mapping and spatial analysis.
- Science Communication: Participants create reports and presentations with ESRI StoryMaps to share scientific data with a wide audience.
Professional Development
Weekly mentorship and career workshops support participants’ readiness for the workforce.
- Direct Mentorship: Students get guidance from researchers, faculty, and Ph.D. students at partner institutions.
- Networking: Participants attend conferences and connect with GIS organizations and environmental leaders.
California’s Coastal Ecosystems
Stretching from Los Angeles County to the Tijuana border, California’s coastline is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Students in our program explore tidepools, kelp forests, wetlands, estuaries, and sandy beaches that support thousands of marine species and play essential roles in climate regulation and coastal protection.
These ecosystems, however, face growing threats from pollution, urban runoff, habitat loss, and climate change. Areas like the Tijuana River Estuary and San Diego’s wetlands are among the most at-risk environments in the region.
The BIPOC Coastal Research Program helps protect these ecosystems by training students to conduct biodiversity surveys, water-quality testing, and coastal monitoring. Through hands-on science and stewardship, participants contribute to ongoing efforts to understand and safeguard the unique coastal environments that define Southern California.
Program History
2025 Inaugural Cohort
Our Summer 2025 “BCRP Lite” pilot program successfully tested and refined the model for this initiative. This cohort demonstrated high engagement and significant outcomes:
- Participants: 14 students from local community colleges and universities, including SDSU, UCSD, and CSU Fullerton.
- Certifications & Skills: 12 students earned new PADI Open Water certifications, and all participants received training in GIS StoryMaps.
- Field Experience: Working with UC San Diego Scripps Institution, students observed more than 300 biological samples and organized community beach cleanups.
Study Abroad in Baja, Mexico
(Summer 2026)
Collaborations: Work with
CICESE and UNAM researchers
Cultural immersion: Enhance Spanish skills, historical and ecological site visits
Partnerships
The BIPOC Coastal Research Program is funded by a Liberated Pathways Grant from Justice Outside and the CA Natural Resources Agency. Our main academic partner is the UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We also work with community partners like LA Waterkeeper and San Diego Coastkeeper.
Contact
Elizabeth Cotton
Executive Director, Black Tech Link
elizabeth@blacktechlink.org
(951) 223-1030
