Ocean Access

Organization: OHPRI provides innovative and empowering education programs at sea and ashore to promote personal growth and professional development, while raising awareness of opportunities in the maritime industry, marine trades, and defense sector for the communities of Rhode Island and Southern New England.

Opportunity:

A learning experience on the waters of Narragansett Bay for 8th and 9th graders

Providing 8th and 9th grade students a unique experiential learning opportunity at a pivotal time in their educational journey. Taking place underway on the waters of the Ocean State, participants engage with learningthrough sense of place as they study navigation, explore Rhode Island’s complex historical narrative and BIPOC maritime history, and investigate the natural and human influenced features of Narragansett Bay. Rotating through a selection of interconnected learning stations that highlight concepts in STEAM education embodied in sailing and operating the ship, students come away from the experience with a newfound understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a civically engaged and ocean literate 21c citizen, and aware of career opportunities in the maritime industry and marine trades. The curriculum for the program is a collaborative project incorporating input from the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, URI Department of Marine Affairs, and other OHPRI partners.