By Jim Purpura. Posted November 17, 2011, 1:06 PM.

The Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI), located in San Diego, will receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

The Ocean Discovery Institute has served the City Heights neighborhood in San Diego for the past 12 years, empowering young people from urban and diverse backgrounds to become tomorrow's scientific leaders.

WeatherCurrents staff serve as an advisors to ODI, and are involved in planning future projects linking communities with the oceans and atmosphere.

ODI Executive Director Shara Fisher will be presented with the award at a White House ceremony December 12, and participate in a series of activities with the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Commenting on the award winners, President Barack Obama said, "Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st century workforce."

WeatherCurrents will be donating and operating a weather observing station to ODI in the City Heights neighborhood, adding it to our growing network of stations. We expect to put the new station into operation next year. It will be the first WeatherCurrents station in southern San Diego County.

For more info on Ocean Discovery Institute, see

• Ocean Discovery Institute