Monterey Bay Charter School (MBCS) has earned its 11th consecutive Ocean Guardian School designation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to the school's August 2026 newsletter.

The Monterey County Office of Education announced the recognition on X on Saturday, Sept. 12. MBCS, led by Executive Director Jessica Guzzi, operates campuses in Pacific Grove and Monterey and is the only school in the county to hold the Ocean Guardian title.

The school is inviting the public to its next beach cleanup at Casa Verde Beach on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

What the program requires

The Ocean Guardian School program asks participating schools to propose and carry out a conservation project focused on local watersheds or the ocean, according to NOAA's program page. NOAA awards grants of up to $4,000 per school for the first three years, $2,500 in year four and $1,000 in year five, according to the agency's application guidelines.

MBCS received a $2,500 NOAA Ocean Guardian grant for its marine debris project during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, according to the school's giving page.

How the program works at MBCS

Ocean stewardship is woven into daily school life. The Student Council includes an elected Ocean Guardian Representative, according to the school's governance records. Students in grades 6 through 8 must complete 25 hours of community service before finishing eighth grade.

The school said in its August newsletter that it will adopt Casa Verde Beach for the third consecutive year as part of its marine debris project. The newsletter also described MBCS as only the second school in the nation to receive the recognition. NOAA's program records list more than 600 participating schools nationally since the program began in 2009, and the agency's site does not confirm that ranking.

Upcoming community events

  • MBCS beach cleanup: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Casa Verde Beach. Open to the public.
  • MBCS Annual Fall Auction: Saturday, Oct. 17, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 456 Lighthouse, Monterey. Open to the community.