Sea Scope Inc. and Nyla Nova STEM Join Forces to Empower Underserved Youth
During the pandemic, Dr. Allyson Brown, an optometrist, experienced what many of us did. The isolation and uncertainty of the time pushed her to seek activities that would restore her mental health. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled her desire to form a minority science camp similar to those she experienced, and with her new love for the marine environment, a passion was ignited that would later transform the lives of countless young people. In 2021, Dr. Brown founded Sea Scope Inc., an organization with a bold mission: to increase diversity in science, aquatics, and marine conservation.
Across Indianapolis, Nakeisha Washington was on a parallel mission. As a STEM educator, author, and mentor, Washington has made it her life’s mission to inspire young children—especially girls of color—to believe in their potential and embrace the limitless possibilities offered by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through her innovative programs and creative storytelling, she has created a platform that blends STEM with character development and multimedia applications, sparking a movement that empowers and uplifts.
Nakeisha’s contributions to Nyla Nova STEM provide a seamless complement to the work of Dr. Allyson Brown and Sea Scope Inc. Together, they are forging a powerful partnership that connects early STEM education with advanced environmental exploration, creating a cohesive pipeline that empowers youth at every stage of their journey. Together, they’re on a mission to show that STEM education is not just about science—it’s about representation, opportunity, and the belief that the future is theirs to shape.
Bridging the Gap
For Dr. Allyson Brown, the path to founding Sea Scope Inc. began with a deeply personal realization. “I was looking for something that could bring me joy in a difficult time, and scuba diving did that for me. It gave me a sense of calm, and I wondered, ‘Why wasn’t I introduced to this as a kid?’” This question not only sparked her love for the ocean but also ignited her desire to create opportunities for underserved youth—especially young girls and women of color—to access the same sense of wonder and possibility.
Dr. Brown’s mission is rooted in her own lived experience. Growing up in a landlocked state with little exposure to the ocean, she couldn’t have imagined a career in marine science and conservation. Now, through Sea Scope Inc. she’s determined to bridge that gap, helping young people discover careers they might not have otherwise considered. “If I can change that for other kids, particularly youth of color, then we can begin to close the gap in fields within the ocean sciences and environmental conservation,” she explains.
This focus on using personal experiences to address systemic inequities resonates with Washington. Inspired by watching her own daughter, Nyla Denae, mimic her teaching, Washington created a platform that blends STEM, storytelling, and character development to show girls that they can thrive in science and technology fields.
“Our goal is to make STEM accessible and exciting for kids who traditionally don’t have the resources to engage with these subjects,” Washington shares. “By starting early, we’re helping children see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
Through initiatives like STEM Literacy Programs and STEM Power Hours, Nyla Nova STEM introduces foundational skills to children as young as three, showing them that STEM is not only attainable but also creative and fun. These early programs create a bridge to more advanced opportunities, including Sea Scope’s hands-on environmental science programs, where older students develop real-world skills in marine conservation and aquatics.
Breaking Barriers
The gaps that Sea Scope Inc. and Nyla Nova STEM are addressing highlight a pressing need for inclusion within STEM/STEAM fields. African Americans remain significantly underrepresented across STEM disciplines, with environmental sciences standing out as one of the least diverse fields. This disparity is compounded by systemic inequities, such as the lack of access to aquatics and environmental education. According to The USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of African American children and 45% of Hispanic children have little to no ability to swim—a critical barrier to engaging with aquatic sciences and marine conservation.
Through Sea Scope Inc. Dr. Brown is on a mission to confront these challenges head-on, exposing youth from underrepresented communities to the wonders of the ocean through immersive, hands-on experiences. By introducing young people to marine conservation, she not only teaches them about environmental stewardship but also opens doors to careers that have historically excluded them.
At the same time, Nyla Nova STEM is addressing these systemic gaps by ensuring that children as young as three can access foundational STEM learning. Through afterschool programs, summer camps, and project-based activities, the organization eliminates barriers by making STEM engaging, creative, and relevant to young learners.
“Inclusion isn’t just about addressing the disparities in numbers,” explains Washington. “It’s about making sure that every child—regardless of their background—feels that STEM is a space where they belong.”
Together, these two organizations are creating a comprehensive framework for engagement that spans age groups and disciplines. Children begin their STEM journey with Nyla Nova STEM’s early education programs, developing foundational skills in coding, robotics, and problem-solving. They then transition to Sea Scope’s programs, where they gain practical skills in water safety, scuba diving, and environmental science.
“We’re not just addressing the lack of diversity in aquatics and science,” says Dr. Brown. “Through our partnership, we’re building a pipeline that empowers kids to explore STEM subjects in a way that feels exciting and attainable, from the classroom to the ocean.”
A Collaborative Approach
Sea Scope Inc. and Nyla Nova STEM are redefining how students engage with STEM/STEAM through a thoughtful, multi-phase approach that combines foundational learning with hands-on exploration.
The journey often begins with Sea Scope’s Eco-Warriors Program, where students are introduced to ocean literacy through classroom activities and immersive experiences like field trips to local zoos’ ocean exhibits. These sessions not only spark curiosity about marine life but also lay the groundwork for understanding the interconnectedness of humans and aquatic ecosystems.
Simultaneously, Nyla Nova STEM’s Customizable STEM Kits bring science and technology directly into children’s hands. These kits provide students ages 6–10 with engaging, tactile experiences in topics such as robotics, coding, and environmental science. By integrating STEM concepts into interactive projects, children begin to see themselves as creators and problem-solvers.
“Kids can build foundational skills with Nyla Nova STEM kits and programs,” said Washington. “They can then transition into Sea Scope’s aquatics-focused training as they grow. This creates a cohesive pathway where students develop their skills while exploring new horizons.”
For those ready to dive deeper—both figuratively and literally—Sea Scope’s Surface to Seas Program offers the next step. Here, students gain critical swimming, water safety, and snorkeling skills, equipping them with the confidence and competence needed to engage with marine environments.
Meanwhile, Nyla Nova STEM extends its programming for older students through its Future STEMventures Platform, a cutting-edge digital app designed to immerse learners in real-world problem-solving. Through escape-room-style challenges, students tackle global issues like marine health, sustainability, and even aviation, blending creativity with critical thinking
Local Impact, Global Vision
While both organizations focus on serving their local communities, their impact extends globally. Sea Scope’s partnerships with organizations such as Diving with a Purpose have enabled students to participate in coral restoration projects and marine conservation efforts in the Florida Keys. Also, Sea Scope Inc is an accredited United Nations Environment Programme and has been expanding conservation efforts to places like the Dominican Republic and Barbados.
Nyla Nova STEM also has an eye on global challenges. Their upcoming participation in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution will inform future programs that teach children how to tackle environmental issues.
“Our work with Sea Scope allows us to connect the dots between early STEM education and advanced environmental projects,” said Dr. Nova. “We’re giving kids a holistic understanding of how they can make a difference.”
The Future of Inclusion in STEM
Both organizations continue to push boundaries, offering programs that change the trajectory of young lives. From Sea Scope’s lifeguard training and scuba certifications to Nyla Nova STEM’s immersive workshops and innovative learning platforms, these initiatives equip children with the skills, confidence, and exposure they need to succeed.
“There’s a power in showing kids that they have a place in these spaces,” Dr. Brown said. “It’s about more than teaching skills—it’s about giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.”
As Sea Scope Inc. and Nyla Nova STEM expand their reach, they remain committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future. Through strategic partnerships, community support, and a shared passion for empowering youth, they are proving that STEM can truly be a tool for equity, innovation, and sustainability. Together, Sea Scope Inc. and Nyla Nova STEM are more than organizations—they are movements powered by women who are reshaping what’s possible for the next generation.
Casey (Cawthon) Harrison has been a lifelong Hoosier since she was two years old. Harrison is a two-time graduate of IUPUI, most recently with her master’s in applied communication specializing in business media. Harrison currently serves as the vice president of marketing and communications with the Indy Chamber and recently celebrated her eleventh year as an associate faculty at IUPUI.