Diving with a Purpose/NABS

Scuba instructors teaching students in a pool
Credit: Sammy Orlando

Since 2018, an exciting partnership between the Charles County (Maryland) Public School System, the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, and Diving With a Purpose has provided classroom and in-pool scuba instruction to students at North Point and Lackey High Schools. To date, nearly 1000 students have participated in classroom training while more than 100 students took their first breaths underwater!

The program also includes a day at Mallows Bay Park where students engage in field activities with sanctuary partners related to environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and advanced technologies as potential education, vocational, and career opportunities. Curriculum developed by Charles County Public Schools ensures that this program meets educational standards for science and history.