Diving Into Opportunity: HFAC Students Attend the Long Beach SCUBA Show

HFAC students got their first taste of SCUBA at the Long Beach SCUBA Show, smiles all around after diving into the pool!

This spring, a group of students and board members from Healthy Footprints Adventure Community had the opportunity to attend the SCUBA Show in Long Beach, one of the largest consumer diving expos in the country. Thanks to the generosity of the SCUBA Show team, our students were able to attend exhibits, participate in educational seminars, and even try SCUBA diving in a pool with professional instructors.

The show was an inspiring and immersive experience for our students, especially those engaged in our marine science programs. For many, this was their first direct look at the world of SCUBA diving and marine careers. Events like these help our youth build confidence, challenge comfort zones, and visualize a future connected to the ocean.

Our board member, longtime diver Janis Gohman, attended the show to support and guide students through the exhibits, along with our Executive Director, Suzy Gonzalez, who helped facilitate student connections and explore new conservation partnerships for future collaboration.

It was exciting to see Ananaius, one of our students, attend the show with his mom after

recently earning his SCUBA certification through a scholarship from DiverSEAfy. We were referred to the program by one of our community partners and immediately thought of Ananaius. We connected him with the organization and supported his application with a letter of recommendation. At the show, he attended educational seminars, including one focused on careers in SCUBA diving, and continues to inspire his peers as they begin their own diving journeys.

At HFAC, we’re currently working with a number of students who are eager to pursue SCUBA certification but face financial barriers. Some come from families affected by the Eaton Canyon Fire, others are part of under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County. With support, we aim to provide certifications, gear access, and mentorship so more youth can explore the other 71% of our planet, the ocean, safely, confidently, and with a strong foundation in conservation.

There were many educational seminars that our students had the opportunity to attend.

Adventurous outdoor experiences like SCUBA diving do more than educate. They empower, especially for youth who may have never seen themselves as scientists, divers, or environmental leaders. These moments build resilience, foster self-trust, and deepen their sense of responsibility to protect the world around them.

We are currently fundraising to expand access to SCUBA and freediving programs for students in our marine science track. With your help, we can break down barriers and open a world of possibility, one dive at a time.

To support our marine science program, visit: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5412061

Learn more about our year-round environmental leadership programs: www.hfadventurecommunity.com/adventureleaders

A very special thank you to www.scubashow.com for supporting our mission of connecting more students to adventures in the outdoors!