Starting this school year, thousands of students will get the opportunity to get a close look at marine science thanks to a new partnership between the Billion Oyster Project and NYC Ferry, using ferries at New York Harbor as hands-on classrooms for students.
Throughout the academic year these ferries will take students on 90-minute educational trips to learn about marine ecology, oyster restoration, and climate resilience. Their goal is to bring 10,000 students aboard these ferries each year.
“There’s a lot of people that are relying on NYC Ferry every single day, but during those off-peak hours, we have a little bit more capacity and this is a great opportunity to use it,” said James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry.
These ferry trips could shape a student’s future through this special experience exposing to marine science up close.
“A child’s ability to explore marine science, learn about the working waterfront, or discover a career in the maritime industry shouldn’t depend on their zip code or what school they attend,” said Jeanny Pak, chief operating officer of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Students at the Urban Assembly New York Harbor school have already made learning on the water a part of their education
NYH Senior Sarah Soto says, “We do amazing things,”. “I’m in marine biology and I’ve never heard anybody say that in class, they play with turtles. I work with turtles, koi fish, tilapia, a whole bunch of animals. And on top of that, I get to do research with real scientists from around the world.”
The principal of New York Harbor School, Michael Hojanacki, says introducing to careers on the water opens possibilities to careers they may not have considered before.
Hojanacki said, “Maritime careers are a big industry. It’s booming right now, from being ship captains, deck hands to building ships, building submarines, welding underwater,”
Current students are already looking toward careers on and around the water.
“I would choose a career in naval architecture,” said NYH senior Joel Burdier. “So instead of working on them, I’d be making them.”
Beyond marine science, the program also exposes students to careers in New York’s maritime industry.
Over 50 graduates from the Urban Assembly New York Harbor school currently work as deckhands and captains for NYC Ferry.
Organizers say the floating classroom program will operate on school days from Labor Day through Memorial Day and will be able to hold around 300 students and teachers on water each day.
