To imagine the Ocean we want, it is helpful to better understand the Ocean we have. This is one of many lessons learned in two decades at the innovative, Ocean-centered educational program called the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA) at Everett Community College in the United States. Another lesson learned is that empowering young people to ask and investigate their own informed questions enhances their Ocean Literacy. Inspired by the vision of the United Nations’ Ocean Decade Challenge 10, this case study sought to determine the extent to which graduates who participated in a National Science Foundation-funded experience within the ORCA program significantly changed their current understanding of the Ocean. A qualitative analysis of responses revealed five themes: the power of questions; importance of community; experience in place; interdependence of parameters in the ecosystem; and the role of data in transforming understanding. Quantitative and qualitative results confirm participants’ understanding of the Ocean changed significantly, including new appreciation for the Ocean as a dynamic place full of unanswered questions. These results illustrate powerful components that are adaptable to formal and informal education efforts to inspire change in the way people understand the Ocean.