Claude Corps Fellows Will Support REEF’s Conservation Research and Citizen Science Initiatives
Key Largo, Fla. – (June 11, 2026) – For more than 36 years, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) has engaged divers, snorkelers, scientists, and ocean advocates around the world in hands-on marine conservation and citizen science. Through programs like the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, Grouper Spotter, and SMILE: Size Matters Innovative Length Estimates, REEF has continued to explore practical tools and emerging technologies that strengthen conservation impact.
Today, REEF announced its selection as one of the inaugural host organizations for Claude Corps, a new national fellowship program from Anthropic that places early-career talent within mission-driven nonprofit organizations.
Beginning in October 2026, Claude Corps fellows will work alongside REEF staff and scientific partners to support projects related to marine conservation research, citizen science, and educational initiatives. Potential projects may include improving data tools that support the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, organizing REEF’s conservation media archive and educational resources, and strengthening systems that support research and conservation work already underway.
REEF was selected based on its long-standing citizen science programs, conservation research partnerships, and collaborative approach to community driven conservation. The Volunteer Fish Survey Project represents one of the world’s largest marine life citizen science datasets, with more than 30 years of observations contributed by volunteer divers and snorkelers around the globe.
REEF is exploring hosting Claude Corps fellows at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida, as well as alongside REEF collaborators at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.
“As a grassroots conservation organization, REEF has always focused on maximizing the impact of every conservation dollar and finding practical ways to support our mission,” said Martha Klitzkie, Co-Executive Director of REEF. “Claude Corps provides an opportunity to strengthen conservation, research, and education efforts already underway at REEF while continuing to keep people, community, and conservation impact at the center of our work.”
REEF recognizes that emerging technologies, including AI, can raise important environmental, ethical, and societal questions. The organization says its participation in Claude Corps is focused on developing practical applications for specific existing conservation and research initiatives. These tools will support its global marine conservation mission to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.
For more information about REEF’s participation in Claude Corps, visit www.REEF.org/claude-corps. To learn more about Claude Corps, visit anthropic.com/claude-corps.
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ABOUT REEF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is an international marine conservation organization dedicated to protecting ocean biodiversity through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. Founded in 1990 and based in Key Largo, Florida, REEF engages divers, snorkelers, and ocean advocates worldwide in hands-on conservation and marine life monitoring programs. Learn more at www.REEF.org.
ABOUT CLAUDE CORPS
Claude Corps is a fully funded, 12-month national fellowship program from Anthropic that places early-career talent within mission-driven organizations. Run in partnership with CodePath and Social Finance, the program will place 1,000 fellows across three cohorts, with the first cohort of approximately 100 fellows beginning in October 2026. Fellows receive a full-time salary, benefits, and ongoing training and mentorship while building tools and systems that advance their host organizations’ missions. Learn more at anthropic.com/claude-corps.
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