Scholarships are currently available for up to four SMM2024 conference attendees interested in attending the “SMMILE Toolbox: Building Inclusive Science Education Opportunities” workshop (details below). Scholarship recipients will receive a discount of 50% off the $100 full-day registration fee. Priority will be given to students and attendees from low income countries. To apply, please email a one paragraph statement to Brijonnay Madrigal ( bcm2@hawaii.edu) including the following information: - Current affiliation - Country of residence - Why you are interested in this workshop and how you would benefit from this financial assistance. ____________________________________________ Aloha MARMAM Community, We invite you to attend the workshop entitled, “SMMILE Toolbox: Building Inclusive Science Education Opportunities” which is focused on developing curriculum and sharing ideas for marine mammal educational opportunities for underrepresented youth (K-12). This full-day workshop will take place on Saturday, November 9th at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in association with the upcoming 2024 Biennial Conference in the Biology of Marine Mammals in Perth, Australia (Nov 11-15, 2024). If you are interested in attending, please register at the pre-conference workshop webpage here <https://www.smmconference.org/>. See workshop description below: Science education is an excellent way to communicate science efforts, inspire the next generation of scientists and/or engage with the local community. In an effort to bridge the gap between laboratory-based science efforts and the local community, the Marine Mammal Research Program developed the Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE). SMMILE is a 10-day immersive program which provides high school students from Hawaiʻi and American Samoa a unique opportunity to learn about marine mammal research, conservation, and marine protected areas within the framework of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in Hawaiʻi. SMMILE was developed to increase representation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the field of marine mammal science. The purpose of this marine mammal education workshop will be to provide a “SMMILE toolbox” for scientists, professionals, and graduate students to implement programs in their community. During this workshop, we plan to discuss the following topics: curriculum development, incorporating TEK and place-based learning, funding, and advertising. Education program coordinators from around the world will be invited to present about their respective outreach and teaching opportunities to provide diverse examples of successful programs. Workshop coordinators and invited speakers will lead demonstrations of the hands-on activities included in their education programs. Ultimately, this workshop aims to provide attendees with opportunities to better integrate marine mammal outreach and educational opportunities within their communities. To view the workshop agenda, click HERE <https://www.mmrphawaii.org/smmile-smm-agenda>. For more information, please contact the workshop organizers, Brijonnay Madrigal (bcm2@hawaii.edu) and Kirby Parnell (keparnel@hawaii.edu). Mahalo! Brijonnay Madrigal & Kirby Parnell Marine Mammal Research Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa -- *Brijonnay Madrigal, *M.Sc. | she/her NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Ph.D. Candidate, Marine Biology Graduate Program Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa brijonnay.madrigal@noaa.gov