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Center For Aquatic Sciences

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 521647018 ✦ Camden, NJ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Center For Aquatic Sciences?

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is a thriving nonprofit organization based in Camden, New Jersey, located at ONE RIVERSIDE DRIVE. Their mission is threefold: to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the science and education workforce, provide top-notch science education to disadvantaged youth, and promote understanding, appreciation, and protection of aquatic life and habitats through research, education, and youth development programs. The organization's flagship program, CAUSE, targets high school students from underrepresented backgrounds and trains them in marine science and biology. Success stories include paid employment as interns, roles as summer camp educators, and mentors for younger students in after-school science clubs. This program has seen remarkable success, with 100% of CAUSE seniors graduating from high school since its inception in 1993, an achievement noteworthy given the high dropout rate in Camden and the fact that recruits are not based on school performance. The Center for Aquatic Sciences is dedicated to excellence in educational programming, conservation efforts both locally and globally, and advancing scientific research. Their unique learning experiences empower youth to take the lead in making a difference in their communities and beyond. With a team of 59 employees, they are a powerful force in promoting awareness and protection of aquatic life and habitats.


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 81% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)

The Center For Aquatic Sciences has earned an 81% rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a good level of accountability and financial health. The organization has a fully independent board, ensuring strong governance, and scores high in several key areas, including its financial oversight and conflict of interest policies. The low liabilities to assets ratio indicates a solid financial standing, which provides reassurance to potential donors regarding the stability of the nonprofit.

However, the organization has room for improvement in its program expense ratio, which stands at 58.37%. This suggests that a smaller portion of its funds is spent directly on its programs, compared to administrative or fundraising costs. While the organization is actively implementing equity practices, the overall equity strategies score is average, indicating that there may be opportunities for enhancing its diversity and inclusion efforts.

Overall, the Center For Aquatic Sciences demonstrates strong governance and financial practices but could prioritize a higher investment in its direct programs to further enhance its impact in the community.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Center For Aquatic Sciences legitimate?

Center For Aquatic Sciences is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Center For Aquatic Sciences submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $184,959
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $787,176

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

What is the mission statement of Center For Aquatic Sciences?

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is committed to fostering a deeper understanding, appreciation, and protection of aquatic life and habitats. Through research, education, and youth development programs, this organization strives for excellence in promoting the conservation of aquatic environments on a local and global scale.

The Center's Cause Program is particularly noteworthy, as it focuses on addressing the needs of underrepresented minorities in the science and education workforce. The program trains high school students in marine science and biology, preparing them for paid employment as Cause Interns and providing opportunities to educate and mentor younger students in afterschool science clubs.

This program has achieved remarkable success, with 100% of Cause seniors graduating from high school since its inception in 1993. Given the high dropout rate of Camden High School students and the fact that students are recruited regardless of school performance, this accomplishment is especially significant.

The teens in the program have experienced benefits that greatly enhance their self-esteem, broaden their horizons, and shape their aspirations for future education and employment. Meanwhile, the K-8 youngsters gain invaluable mentoring relationships with enthusiastic role models from their own community.


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

Who is the CEO of Center For Aquatic Sciences?

Nicole Gillespie is the Chair & Treasurer of Center For Aquatic Sciences. The CEO's salary of Center For Aquatic Sciences is $94,796 and their total compensation is $94,796.


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

What is the revenue of Center For Aquatic Sciences?

Center For Aquatic Sciences's revenue in 2023 was $1,541,434.


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

Who are the executives of Center For Aquatic Sciences and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Center For Aquatic Sciences during 2023 was $16,477. There are 59 employees at Center For Aquatic Sciences.


Here are 16 key members and their salaries (Center For Aquatic Sciences's CEO's salary is $94,796 and their total compensation is $94,796):


Jennifer Miller (Chair & Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joey Rodriguez (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peter Mcaliney Phd Mba (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Melinda Johnson Phd (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laura Hetrick (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kim Scarborough (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tameeka Mason (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Dighton Phd (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James A Komas (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bruno Levine (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Duvall (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Russell Furnari (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William B Packer (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathleen Wagner (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nicole Gillespie (President & Ceo)
  • Compensation: $94,796
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barbara Kelly (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $90,163
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Center For Aquatic Sciences?

Center For Aquatic Sciences's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.aquaticsciences.org

Learn more at the official website: www.aquaticsciences.org

Mission Statement of Center For Aquatic Sciences

The Center for Aquatic Sciences, a renowned organization, is committed to inspiring and empowering youth through unique learning experiences that foster a deep understanding, appreciation, and protection of aquatic life and habitats. This mission is carried out through rigorous research, education, and youth development programs.

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is dedicated to excellence in educational programming and conservation initiatives, both locally and globally. It strives to promote the scientific understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. The organization's research efforts focus on advancing knowledge in this field, contributing to the ongoing global conversation about the importance of aquatic life and habitats.

The organization's Cause program is a cornerstone of its mission. Designed to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the science and education workforce, the Cause program provides quality science education to underserved youth from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The program trains high school students in marine science and biology, preparing them for paid employment as Cause interns and for roles as educators and mentors in afterschool science clubs for younger students. The teens in the Cause program have experienced remarkable successes, which not only enhance their self-esteem but also broaden their horizons and shape their ambitions for future education and employment. This program provides an invaluable opportunity for K-8 students, allowing them to build mentoring relationships with enthusiastic teenage role models and committed teachers from their own community.

To date, the Center for Aquatic Sciences has seen great success with its Cause seniors, with a 100% graduation rate from high school. This remarkable achievement stands out against the backdrop of high dropout rates among Camden High School students, which exceed 50%. The teens are recruited into the program regardless of their school performance, and the organization's commitment to their education and personal growth has proven to be life-changing.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Center for Aquatic Sciences makes a significant impact by providing unique learning experiences that empower youth to lead in understanding, appreciating, and protecting the environment. Its CAUSE program specifically addresses the needs of underrepresented minorities in the science and education workforce, offering quality science education through early intervention for underserved K-12 students.

By training high school students in marine science and biology, the program prepares them for paid internships as educators and mentors in summer science camps and afterschool clubs for younger children. This creates a ripple effect: teens gain critical skills and self-esteem, while younger students benefit from mentorship and enthusiastic role models from their own communities.

The results speak for themselves—100% of CAUSE seniors have graduated from high school, a remarkable achievement considering the high dropout rates in Camden. This program not only enhances educational outcomes but also inspires ambitions for future education and employment among participants. Through its commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, the Center for Aquatic Sciences is fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Center For Aquatic Sciences. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,541,434 (2023)
Expenses
$1,631,453 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $9,163
  • Program Service Revenue: $741,036
  • Gross Receipts: $2,310,696

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,168,770
  • Total Liabilities: $268,662
  • Net Assets: $1,900,108

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

PROGRAM FEES

Revenue

$741,036

Organization Details

Founding Year

1989

Principal Officer

Nicole Gillespie

Main Address

ONE RIVERSIDE DRIVE, CAMDEN, NJ, 081031037

NTEE Category

Code: D500 - Animals

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