OUR MISSION | Sharks4kids

OUR MISSION

Empowering the next generation of ocean conservationists to make a difference, one shark at a time.

At Sharks4Kids, our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of shark advocates through dynamic education, outreach, and hands-on experiences. We believe that kids have the power to change the future of our oceans, and by providing them with engaging, science-based resources, we help them develop a deeper understanding of sharks and their vital role in marine ecosystems.

Through interactive lessons, virtual and in-person classroom visits, field experiences, and innovative programs like virtual reality and citizen science, we make shark education accessible, exciting, and impactful. By fostering curiosity and promoting conservation awareness, we aim to dispel myths, reduce fear, and encourage positive action to protect sharks and the ocean.

Kids play a crucial role in conservation. They can influence their families, peers, and communities, driving change through their passion and knowledge. By empowering young minds with the tools and confidence to speak up for sharks, we are creating a generation of ocean stewards who will shape a healthier future for our blue planet.

Whether in the classroom, at sea, or online, Sharks4Kids is building a global movement of young conservationists who will be the future voices for sharks—because every child has the power to make a difference.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

Our Mission

EST. 2012

"In 2008, after developing curriculum for other organizations and doing classroom visits for friends, I decided to create my own shark education program. In 2012 I got serious about it and Sharks4Kids was born. After a year of developing content with Duncan Brake and Dr. Derek Burkholder, we launched our first website on November 7, 2013. The goal was to provide free online educational materials for teachers and students to help them bring sharks into the classroom. This has evolved tremendously in a short amount of time and we now offer in-person visits, full educational tours, snorkeling trips, and shark tagging expeditions. Our team has expanded and our reach continues to grow. From November 2013 to December 2020, we connected with nearly 155,000 students in 60 countries and 49 US States through in-person visits and virtual lessons. We are partnering with research groups, conservation organizations, and aquariums around the world to create new materials and provide even more opportunities for students. This has been an incredible journey and we are excited for the future. Please feel free to reach out with ideas, comments, suggestions, or thoughts."

- Jillian Morris - Founder & President

"I discovered Sharks4Kids through Twitter and was intrigued by the name. I immediately contacted them and within a few days we already had multiple Skypes set up for our school! Our students in California were thrilled to hear that they would be coming to their school library (Camp Read Smore) to learn about sharks while Jillian Skyped with us all the way from the Bahamas! In the days preceding our Skype, we became familiar with Sharks4Kids and Jillian by watching some of the amazing videos on their website. The students especially loved the “Fintastic” video on “Norman the Nurse Shark.” We had our own “Shark Week” and each day the students received a fun shark related activity, many of them were downloaded from the Sharks4Kids website. The day of the Skype was incredible! Jillian was able to Skype with all 500 of our students over three different sessions in ONE morning! Each Skype session had about 160 students and each one was as fresh as the first. Jillian had ALL students engaged and listening so intently that you could almost hear a pin drop. They loved it and are still talking about it. Our third graders have decided to use sharks for their persuasive writing unit. They look forward to collaborating with Sharks4Kids. I have to wholeheartedly agree with Jillian when she says that, “Sharks4Kids is creating the next generation of ocean and shark advocates. They have a voice and they will be heard!” Thank you Jillian and Sharks4Kids providing a place where they can do just that." - Kelly Spector - NEW Academy Canoga Park, California

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