How Save the Whales Inspires Students and Strengthens Communities

The impact of Save the Whales goes far beyond ocean conservation—it reaches into classrooms, communities, and the hearts of children. At Frank Ledesma Elementary School in Soledad, CA, our hands-on programs brought marine science to life for students who had never seen the ocean. Thanks to your support, we’re not only saving whales—we’re opening minds, expanding horizons, and inspiring a new generation of ocean stewards.

“The Save the Whales program had a major positive impact on our school. The program provided a fantastic mixture of on-site educational opportunities that were hands on and informative. The field trips were incredible and the experiences provide life-long memories for the students. The science education has helped strengthen our curriculum. The teachers were very motivated by Save the Whales program. The teachers were motivated to learn as much as the students. We have a huge growing interest in science especially involving water, climate, and ocean animals. Our school is a 100% free and reduced lunch school. Our school is located in a rural high-poverty community. Some of our students come from agricultural labor housing located near the prison. There is no way we could have afforded to provide these trips and opportunities for our students, many of whom had never been to the ocean before. Now they see a connection with the agriculture they are familiar with, the mountains, and the entire pathway of life all the way to the ocean. They love whales and turtles and have developed a connection with animals in general. Thank you for this life-changing opportunity! We really need Save the Whales and through your organization, I have a feeling we are saving a lot of children too.”

Richard Radtke
Former Principal, Frank Ledesma Elementary School, Soledad, CA