As part of a major national investment in marine sanctuary communities, the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi BOCES) has been selected as a second-round grantee of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Sanctuary Community Fund—positioning the region as a key player in shaping the future of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

The Foundation recently announced more than $1 million in funding for 16 community-led projects across newly designated marine sanctuaries, supporting local organizations that are advancing stewardship, education and community engagement.

Among those selected, CiTi BOCES stands out as a regional leader in education-based innovation with its project, “Sanctuary Scholars: Education & Exploration on Lake Ontario.”

Through this initiative, CiTi BOCES is helping translate the significance of the Lake Ontario sanctuary into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students—connecting classrooms directly to one of the nation’s newest protected freshwater ecosystems.

This work reflects the broader purpose of the Sanctuary Community Fund: to invest in community-driven ideas that build awareness, stewardship and long-term sustainability in marine and Great Lakes environments.

Within that national vision, CiTi BOCES plays a critical local role—bridging science, education and community engagement. By empowering students to explore and understand Lake Ontario’s ecological and cultural importance, the organization is helping to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards right here in the region.

CiTi BOCES is also part of a strong regional cohort of partners—including local schools, museums and research organizations—working together to elevate awareness and access to the sanctuary. This collaborative approach reinforces that protecting and celebrating Lake Ontario is not just a national effort, but a deeply local one.

As these projects launch in 2026 and continue through 2027, CiTi BOCES’ leadership ensures that education remains at the heart of the sanctuary’s success—turning a national designation into a living, learning opportunity for the entire community.

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