Dr. Ernest E. Just Science Program
Summer Marine Science Camp and
Saturday Science Academy
Program Overview
Named after Dr. Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering African-American biologist, academic, and science writer who transcended the barriers faced by early twentieth century Black scholars, the program exposes youth to instruction and activities across a range of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects and careers. Students receive lessons, demonstrations, and field exploration activities from qualified instructors and professional field practitioners. Youth explore the wonders of life, earth, and physical sciences in a variety of settings.
The program has two components—The Summer Marine Science Camp and the year-long Saturday Science Academy Summer Science Program.
Programs are open to students (Boys and Girls ages 8-14) and are provided free of charge through strong corporate and foundation support, committed volunteers, and generous donations from many individuals.
Hear from one of our students:
Summer Marine Science Program
Summer Marine Science Program Camp is conducted over two three consecutive weekends in August and includes four venues – Cabrillo Park and Aquarium in San Pedro, CA, Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve in Huntington Beach, CA, Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Palos Verdes, CA, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, and University of Southern California (USC) Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Activities and projects include nature observations and recordings, sampling, snorkeling, sea life, and wetland tours. The professional staffs at each location provide valuable instruction and invaluable insights on marine biology and marine science careers.
Applicants: girls and boys, ages 8 – 14
Our programs are offered free of charge
Saturday Science Academy
The Saturday Science Academy is an all-year program that provides classroom instruction at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus, with instruction provided by LASC science instructors, the University of Southern California (USC) College of Oceanography and certified instructors from the Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE), and Professional STEM Practitioners. The objective is for youth will gain confidence in STEM disciplines and benefit from exposure to facilities and people that they would not otherwise have access to. The classroom component is held on the third Saturday of each month followed by related field trips on the fourth Saturday of each month to various sites to augment the classroom experience. The program generally begins in January and ends in early August each year. All activities are free of charge to participating students. Students are accepted through an application process based on demonstrated interest, and classroom performance measures.
Applicants: girls and boys, ages 8 – 14
Our programs are offered free of charge
Support the Ernest E. Just Science Program
With your generous support we are able to grow our programming and provide our Science Marine Science Program and Saturday Science Academy free of charge to hundreds of deserving youth. We thank you.
The Ernest E. Just Science Youth Program is proudly sponsored by
