Maritime Academy and Buzzards Bay Coalition Foster Educational Opportunities for New Bedford Students

The collaboration between Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) and the Buzzards Bay Coalition has created a distinctive educational platform for students in New Bedford, enabling them to delve into maritime history, science, and Cape Verdean culture aboard the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. Now in its second year, this initiative has reached 650 students from grades 3 to 12, offering them interactive learning experiences that merge academic curriculum with practical activities.

This past spring, students embarked on 15 day trips where they engaged in various educational stations conducted by experts from the Buzzards Bay Coalition and MMA. These sessions encompassed water quality testing, maritime navigation lessons, and explorations into the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey's storied past. Beyond academic enrichment, the program aims to instill a sense of appreciation for maritime heritage and environmental responsibility among the participants.

Mark Rasmussen, president of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, remarked on the students' enthusiasm and the program's success in linking them to their local maritime and cultural roots. Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald of MMA highlighted the academy's dedication to hands-on learning and community engagement, stressing the significance of motivating young minds through such educational endeavors.

The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, a vital component of MMA's fleet, functions as a mobile classroom for both cadets and the wider community, providing training in sailing, leadership, and STEM disciplines. This joint venture showcases the power of collaborative initiatives in enhancing educational offerings and strengthening ties to maritime traditions and environmental preservation. For further details on the Buzzards Bay Coalition's initiatives, visit https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org, and to explore more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy, visit https://www.maritime.edu.