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Home My WebLink AboutFINAL OC ROV 2026 - 2027 NPC MRC Funding Proposal1. Name of the project: Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle (OC ROV) Competition 2. Lead organization and Contact: Name, email, phone, and address. Programmatic Contact: Christine VanDeen - Education Associate for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Christine.VanDeen@noaa.gov (360) 406-2082 (work) (360) 860 -1984 (cell) 115 East Railroad Ave Suite 301 Port Angeles, WA 98362 Fiscal Point of Contact: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Carmen Player Operations Program Manager, Education cplayer@marinesanctuary.org (301)608-3040 (work) (678) 431 -2499 (cell) 8455 Colesville Rd Suite 1275, Silver Spring, MD 20910 3. Start and end dates for your project: March 2026 - June 2027 Major events for project timeline: Students ROV build workshop -March 2026 OC ROV Annual Competition - May 2026 Students ROV build workshop - March 2027 OC ROV Annual Competition - May 2027 4. Deliverables: List and identify their final date of submission (report and/or products) to include 5 quality project photos, an MRC newsletter article, and end of project presentation to the MRC. ● Summary and photos of Olympic Coast ROV competition season and ROV workshop activities for MRC Newsletter by June 15th, 2026 and June 15th, 2027. 5. Project staff: List and describe their expertise for their role in the project. Resumes may be attached. Christine VanDeen, Education Associate with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) and Olympic Coast MATE ROV Regional Coordinator Christine implements both classroom and field science lessons and activities that enhance ocean literacy and inspires the next generation of ocean stewards. In addition, she supports community outreach events and beach cleanups, provides teacher professional development to the Olympic Coast communities, and mentors seasonal Washington Service Corps educators hosted by OCNMS. She has a B.S. in Marine Science with a Biology focus and has worked as an environmental educator for the past eight years, providing hands-on, experiential learning to students and education professionals. Christine served as the Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps member for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary from 2017-2019 and has enjoyed supporting the Olympic Coast ROV competition for several years. She holds a M.A. in Teaching Secondary Science and a current Washington State teaching certification. She re-joined the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary team in February 2023 as the Education Associate and K-12 lead. 6. Partners: List and describe partners: include whether they are providing matching contribution(s) of cash, in-kind materials, supplies, equipment, labor, etc. Support letters may be attached. Participating OC ROV teams and mentors Olympic Coast ROV mentors support student teams through hands-on guidance and access to materials. Without their dedication, our reach with students in this region wouldn’t be nearly as extensive. PT STEM Club/ SeaDragon ROV team The PT STEM Club and SeaDragon alumni ROV team provide subject-matter expertise to Olympic Coast students, while also regularly supporting the March student-focused ROV workshop with labor and materials. 7. Geographic Area: Describe the geographic area for your project. We will engage students and mentors from communities adjacent to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, including schools and communities within the North Pacific Coast Marine Resource Committee’s reach (such as Neah Bay, Forks, and La Push). Students from Lake Quinault School District, Taholah School, and Port Townsend have also historically participated in the Olympic Coast MATE ROV competition. Additional funding to support mentors and students may be pursued through the Grays Harbor MRC, which is appropriate for teams from Lake Quinault and Taholah. Including teams from across the greater Olympic Coast region enhances the value, cohesion, and overall benefit for all participants. The annual Olympic Coast MATE ROV competition and student workshop will continue to take place in the centrally located town of Forks, WA. 8. Permits: List any associated permits and their status as well as landowner access letter as applicable. (Examples: JARPA, HPA, Marine Mammal, National Park, NEPA review, SEPA review). ● Competition Event Insurance ● Photo and video releases for NOAA/NMSF and any other applicable organizations. 9. Project Narrative (up to 5 pages not including attachments): a) Abstract: Provide a 1-2 paragraph project summary in the form of a short description that highlights the narrative that follows. The Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle (OC-ROV) competition engages students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through hands-on experience with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), helping prepare them for modern, technical careers. In addition to STEM skills, students develop essential 21st-century competencies such as team management, strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, science communication, and problem-solving as they take on missions modeled after real-world aquatic workplace scenarios. By engaging students and mentors in ROV education and competition, we are equipping them for success in today’s workforce while introducing them to a growing and rewarding career path in marine technology and related robotics or engineering fields. As the program continues to foster and expand ROV opportunities for students in the Olympic Coast community, funding from the North Pacific Coast Marine Resource Committee will support annual student workshops and in-person competition events in 2026 and 2027. The Olympic Coast ROV competition is seeking $10,398 to ensure the continued implementation of these impactful opportunities. b) Describe the background and context: project area, situation to be addressed, past work relevant to the project. Ocean literacy, broadly defined, is an enduring understanding of the ocean’s influence on people, and people’s influence on the ocean, in a manner that fosters lifelong stewardship and personal commitment to ocean resources. Promoting public awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural resources of the Olympic Coast is a cornerstone of the sanctuary’s mission, aligned directly with the mandates of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. K-12 students in Olympic Coast communities represent the next generation of stewards, scientists, and educators of their local resources. As such, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) has a strong commitment to supporting local schools and communities by providing access to marine science and STEM education activities that align with state and local standards and address needs identified by regional educators. Designing and building ROVs challenges students to experiment, innovate, collaborate, think critically, and reflect—skills essential for the leaders of tomorrow. This hands-on approach not only helps educators integrate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), but also allows them to do so using cutting-edge, innovative technology in an engaging and multidisciplinary way. Since 2016, the Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle (OC-ROV) competition and student workshop have provided a valuable platform for students and ROV mentors along the Olympic Coast to explore ocean literacy, maritime careers, and STEM concepts. For the past nine years, the OC-ROV competition has hosted Scout and Navigator level teams in a culminating event that celebrates the hard work, dedication, and skills of our future ocean stewards and maritime workforce through the lens of underwater robotics. In July 2024, OC-ROV mentors and educators gathered for a much-needed, hands-on intensive workshop aimed at strengthening their own robotics skills and enhancing their ability to support Olympic Coast students. This marked the first teacher-focused workshop since the OC-ROV competition began in 2016, and it not only bolstered mentor confidence but also reignited excitement and enthusiasm for the program. Preparing students and mentors for ROV competitions is not an end in itself. Rather, the competitions serve to formalize and celebrate a learning process in which students problem-solve, reflect and revise, push their limits, build career and technical skills, connect with experts, and form a supportive intellectual community. Through ROV competition challenges, they apply these skills to tackle real-world, modern day problems. We believe that by continuing to support student and mentor involvement in ROV education on the Olympic Coast, we are providing a unique opportunity for students from our small, special community to access resources typically found in larger school districts and urban centers. Furthermore, our students’ unique perspectives and strong connections to the marine environment offer a powerful way to link their real-world experiences with new learning outcomes. Over the next two years, we aim to sustain the competition and student workshop to support both current and future OC-ROV teams, as student interest in robotics and marine technology continues to grow. c) Explain why the project is appropriate for MRC funding or how it achieves one or more of the six benchmarks (See Appendix A attached). Education and Outreach The Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) student workshops and competitions have provided coastal teachers and mentors with a valuable outlet to expand their students' access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills in an engaging and relevant manner for nearly a decade. Our annual ROV competition themes directly connect students, volunteers, and the community to real-world challenges and solutions related to coastal and oceanic issues. By exploring topics that often fall outside the regular classroom curriculum, we not only raise public awareness but also nurture the growth of young stewards and scientists who may one day contribute directly to solving ongoing environmental problems. A key component of the competition is when student teams present their companies to judges, explain the competition themes, and demonstrate how their ROV is the best tool for the job. This experience helps students develop essential science communication skills and learn how to convey complex topics to a general audience. Additionally, throughout the design, building, and competition process, students become familiar with organizations and agencies actively involved in ocean protection through real-world applications of ROV work. Many of these groups, along with other local organizations, often provide volunteers who serve as judges for the annual competition. Coastal Communities Participation in the Olympic Coast MATE ROV Competition provides youth from rural coastal communities, including students from Coastal Treaty Tribes, with valuable opportunities to develop skills that prepare them for careers in marine science and technology. In rural educational settings, such opportunities are often limited. Programs like this can open pathways to careers in conservation, natural resource protection and management, and engineering - fields that might otherwise be less accessible. As more students become involved in marine science, STEM, and natural resource careers, their communities and surrounding environments benefit as well. d) List and describe the project objective(s). ● Implementation of a student-focused workshop in advance of the annual regional competition. ● Continued successful coordination and implementation of the annual Olympic Coast Regional ROV competition, engaging multiple schools and communities along the Olympic Coast. ● Connect students to real-world applications of ROV technology and related career paths. ● Foster ROV-related skills that prepare students for academic and career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). e) Provide a timeline for your project activities in relation to your stated objectives and the deliverables identified in #4 above. When Activity to take place/Deliverables March 2026 Host a one-day, student-focused ROV design and build workshop to give Olympic Coast teams the opportunity to explore the 2026 competition themes and challenges, while also engaging in peer-to-peer learning and gaining insights from ROV experts. May 2026 Host the 2026 Annual Olympic Coast ROV Regional Competition, supporting teams at the Scout and Navigator levels. June 2026 Provide a write-up for the NPC MRC newsletter highlighting the 2026 Olympic Coast ROV competition season, accompanied by high-quality photos from both the competition and the student workshop. March 2027 Host a one-day, student-focused ROV design and build workshop to give Olympic Coast teams the opportunity to explore the 2027 competition themes and challenges, while also engaging in peer-to-peer learning and gaining insights from ROV experts. May 2027 Host the 2027 Annual Olympic Coast ROV Regional Competition, supporting teams at the Scout and Navigator level. June 2027 Provide a write-up for the NPC MRC newsletter highlighting the 2027 Olympic Coast ROV competition season, accompanied by high-quality photos from both the competition and the student workshop. June 2027 Ensure that all invoices and expense reports have been submitted to the NPC MRC by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation f) Describe the methods, procedures and equipment to be used, if any. ● Student workshop topics will include, but are not limited to: ROV design and buoyancy, manipulator build and development, underwater camera systems, teamwork and collaboration, real-world ROV applications, and public speaking. ● Regional ROV competitions and student workshops adhere to strict safety protocols, requiring all teams to pass a safety inspection before their ROVs are permitted to enter the pool during competition. ● To minimize material use and environmental impact, pool challenge props will be borrowed from the PNW Regional MATE competition in Federal Way, WA. Additionally, many participating teams re-use or share build materials, helping to reduce both costs and the overall use of PVC and plastics. g) Describe the extent or impact of the project (e.g., acres, miles, number of citizens). The Olympic Coast MATE ROV competition aims to support at least ten teams each year, engaging approximately 40-50 students from across the Olympic Coast, including participants from the Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Hoh Tribe, and Quinault Indian Nation. In previous years, the competition has welcomed teams from four or more school districts spanning three counties, with a significant number of students coming from Forks, La Push, and Neah Bay. The event also involves 25-30 community members and regional volunteers annually, many of whom are long-time supporters. These volunteers serve in key roles such as safety judges, product demonstration judges, poster and presentation judges, and general event coordination. Beyond direct participation, local newsletters and newspapers often highlight the competition’s results, helping to raise awareness and celebrate student achievements throughout the Olympic Coast region and beyond. h) Indicate if there are plans to continue the project into the future. The Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle Competition is committed to continuing into the future, welcoming and supporting both new and returning students and mentors. Participating teams and schools take great pride in the competition, often displaying their trophies and awards, and eagerly anticipating the challenge each year. Several alumni of the Olympic Coast ROV program have gone on to pursue undergraduate studies and career paths directly related to their experience in the competition, including opportunities to support vessel operations within Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. We hope to see even more alumni follow similar pathways into STEM-related careers and will work to support them through the opportunities provided by our workshops, competitions, and community networks. 10. Project Budget (Please use the budget template provided in Appendix C).* Include the following categories: Category Detail MRC Request Matching Contribution (not required) Total Salaries and Benefits or hourly wages Fringe and Personnel salary for full-time Program Operations Manager for Education to support the implementation, ongoing management, and supervision of award-related projects over a two-year period. 13.64% of $9,150 (9150 X .1364 = 1,248.06) $1,248 $1,248 Estimated staff time for Education Associate at Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary to support ROV competition season (2026 & 2027). Approximately 80 hours of preparation and implementation per event (competition & - $8,320.00 $8,320.00 workshop) per year. Supplies/Equipment ROV competition triage station, pool challenge props, tools, & misc. resources to support student and mentor success (2026 & 2027). $650.00 $650.00 ROV Competition trophies and awards (2026 & 2027) **Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in SCOUT class and NAVIGATOR class $800.00 $800.00 Student workshop food and refreshments (2026 & 2027) **includes all students, mentors, support staff, and volunteers $1,400.00 $1,400.00 OC ROV Competition food & refreshments (2026 & 2027) **includes all students, mentors, support staff, and volunteers $1,400.00 $1,400.00 Travel Lodging & per diem for student workshop support staff (2026 & 2027) *based on current ONRC lodging rates and GSA per diem rates for Clallam Co. $550.00 $550.00 Lodging & per diem for OCNMS staff to support OC ROV competition (2026 & 2027) *based on current ONRC lodging rates and GSA per diem rates for Clallam Co. $550.00 $550.00 Contracted services Pool facility rental for OC ROV competition (2026 & 2027) $1,800.00 $1,800.00 ONRC Facility rental for Student Workshop (2026 & 2027) $1,300.00 $1,300.00 Special Event Insurance (required by MATE/MTS) for OC ROV competition (2026 & 2027) $700.00 $700.00 Indirect expenses (All such expenses should be itemized.) Other Totals $10,398 Applied Education Foundation Re: Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Foundation June 4th, 2025 Applied Education Foundation is pleased to provide a letter of commitment to continue supporting the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary’s work in delivering underwater robotics education and experiences to students and communities in the rural and underserved regions of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Since 2017, Applied Education Foundation has provided expertise, supplies, and materials to the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary during both the underwater robotics workshops and the Olympic Coast MATE ROV competitions. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) increase the interest of youth in STEM activities, including marine exploration and marine technology, while building partnerships and awareness of national marine sanctuaries, ultimately building the next generation of ocean stewards. Applied Education Foundation is committed to providing continued expertise and resources to the 2026 ROV workshop and competition as well as supporting the mission’s set forth by the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Please feel free to contact me atappliededucationfoundation@gmail.com if you have any other questions. Sincerely, Gabriella Ashford, Treasurer, Applied Education Foundation Applied Education Foundation EIN #56-2470547 175 Grant Street Port Townsend WA 98368 (360) 531-3575 appliededucationfoundat ion@gmail.com www.ptstemclub.org Quileute Tribal School District P.O. Box 39 Physical Address: I2l8l La Push Road La Push, WA 98350 (360) 963-4100 www.qtschools.orq The mission of the Quileute Tribal School is for all students to gain and retain the knowledge and skills necessary to make them responsible, productive citizens. They will develop problem solving skills, communication skills, and self- sufficiency skills that will allow them to interact at all levels of society. They will protect, preserve, and enhance the Quileute language and culture for future generations. 5122125 To the NPC MRC Board and whom it may concern I am writing in request that the NPC-MRC seriously consider the Request for the Olympic Coast MATE ROV competition and pre-competition programing. They Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary works hard to bring education in multiple ways out to our little part of the peninsula. 10 years ago this included the first steps to starting an ROV competition out here in Forks. Nine years ago was the first competition as a satellite and 8 years ago, it officially became our OWN regional Olympic Coast MATE ROV competition. ROV's are remotely operated Vehicles, basically underwater robots, and this competition is where students build their own ROVs designed to meet mockups of real-world situations. This year's competition included spotter buoys like the backyard buoys that the Quileute tribe has just off shore and is trackable online, this is just one example about how real world it is. Students learn major job skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving, commitment, and demonstrating initiative. They also learn lots of engineering skills, like project design, soldering, electrical wiring, and finding solutions for the challenges presented. Quileute Tribal School is a small rural, tribal compact school in La Push. We have 1 teacher per subject in 7th-121h grade which leaves few options for students, and the distance and location of competition like events is a large hurdle to overcome. lt is my duty as a science teacher to find access for my students to push themselves and to learn about sciences that are beyond my small amount of knowledge. MATE ROV has given me the opportunity to do just that. Nine years ago we started off rough, 2 kids made it to competition, and they came in second to last, and the last team didn't show up. The next year they earned the MacGyver award, the next they placed 3'd. Steady growth, more teams, more trophies. We have won 2nd twice and now we have one a first-place trophy twice. This change is NOT just me becoming more knowledgeable, but it is also the happy destruction of the negative point of view students had nine years ago, about all the students at Quileute Tribal School. Students here KNOW that they can do it if they work hard, they no longer go in already doubting that very possibility. I have observed the skills learned in ROV continue on into life after high school and success students have gained in activities, internships and work beyond high school. lt is my opinion that QTS ROV undenruater robotics is the strongest and most stable single program that is offered at Quileute Tribal School and that it is in a large part thanks to support from the North Pacific Coast Marine Resource Committee.m^v /o{ 7-12th grade Science teacher QTS ROV undenryater Robotics mentor Quileute Tribal School (406)546-9893 Alice. ryan@qtschools.org