Stella Maris Explorers

Who We Are

Stella Maris Explorers is a 501(c) 3 catholic charitable organization committed to promoting art, faith, and science enrichment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

What We Do

Our flagship program, The Explorers Club, is a weekly art, Faith, and science enrichment club for PK3 - 12th grade students in the greater Harrison County area.

Our aim is to provide club members the opportunity to join friends in exploring the beauty, wonder, and goodness of God through the study of the natural sciences and hands-on art creation. Weekly enrichment is provided to nearly 100 enrolled members.

Our experience with the high cost of durable materials led us to start an educational lending library. 

The Luminous Lending Library (LLL) is an outreach initiative dedicated to placing high-quality science, art, and faith-formation materials into the hands of local educators—at no cost to them. By providing themed lending boxes filled with hands-on tools, books, and engaging activities, LLL makes it possible for homeschooling families, teachers, and parish catechists to offer richer, more creative learning experiences, regardless of their budget.

Why We Serve

At Stella Maris Explorers, we believe every child deserves a PLACE to thrive.

· Purpose: Our programs are anchored in beauty, truth, and goodness.

· Learning: We focus on hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences.

· Access: We provide resources that are often out of reach for under-served children.

· Community: We foster family-centered connections and lifelong friendships.

· Enrichment: We help children become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators.

Families in coastal Mississippi often face a stark choice between conventional schooling and homeschooling. Stella Maris Explorers is working to expand the middle ground: offering meaningful alternatives that support families and help all children reach their full potential.

We want to raise the bar for art, faith, and science education in the Biloxi Diocese regardless of how a child is educated. 

How You Can Help

Giving Tuesday donations to Stella Maris Explorers will support the Luminous Lending Library.  

Every box is thoughtfully curated to spark curiosity, support meaningful exploration, and help children encounter truth, beauty, and wonder in their studies. When donors invest in the Luminous Lending Library, they make it possible for educators across the Mississippi Gulf Coast to access resources they could not otherwise afford.