Les has been diving since 1980. Les was the eighth African American to complete the Navy’s school for Deep Sea Diving and Salvage in Little Creek, VA. Famed US Navy Master Diver, Carl Brashear, mentored Les in the early years. After reflecting on his one-on-one conversation with Jacques Cousteau, Les knew he was supposed to be exposing marginalized and underprivileged youth to aquatic stewardship. He left Maryland after 5 full years to return to Florida. In doing so, he went full time into Jr Scientists in the Sea.

JSIS’s goal is to create new divers, scientists, and engineers who possess the passion and skills to not only enjoy the ocean, but work to protect it. JSIS is designed to expose kids to a meaningful, educational program combined with on-the-job training, hard work, and opportunities to solve real-world problems right in their own backyards. The new experiences, new places, new people, and new approach will create new hope, new ideas, and new attitudes. Instead of choosing from well-traveled, often-overcrowded trails, JSIS is blazing new ones.

Thank you to this month's Immerse Yourself sponsor,  Hammerhead Marine Services, LLC. Questions or concerns? E-mail director@divingmuseum.org!