Partnering With USCG, Electric Boat, Schools Launch Maritime Program

EAST HAVEN, CT —To further its mission of affording diverse career pathways to its students, the East Haven School District has introduced a maritime program, the "second of its kind in the state," educators announced.

The pilot program open to high school students will include courses in marine biology, training with Amistad New Haven to build communication and leadership skills, as well as monthly field trips to, among other sites, Mystic Seaport and the United States Coast Guard Station in New Haven.

“This is about taking advantage of where we are, just as we did with our aviation program,” East Haven Board of Education chair Michele DeLucia said. “We are right near the airport and we are also right on the water, and we have community partners ready to step up to offer our students experience, training, and opportunity.” Among those are Bridgeport Ferry, Electric Boat, and the United States Coast Guard.

“The program will provide our students with a glimpse of career opportunities that until now they didn’t know existed, whether they’re going to college or into the workforce,” said Maria Pompano, science instructional leader for the school district, who’s overseeing the program.

Pompano said the plan is for students to get their boating license and CPR certification. So far, 1 are enrolled.

"Anything that will make them more marketable and will open doors to them,” she said. And as far as career opportunities, Pompano said, "It’s not only ship captains, deckhands, and crew members, but boat mechanics, nautical engineers, and even boat builders."

noted students will be able to take marine biology courses at Southern Connecticut State University for college credit.

“They’re excited,” Pompano said of the students who have already signed up. “They can’t wait to see what’s next.”