The NESS SEA (STEM Education Ambassadors) AmeriCorps Program serves students of the New London Public School System. The community is challenged with serious social issues including poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, mental/physical illness, and a lack of access to resources. The NESS SEA AmeriCorps Program aims to improve academic engagement and positively impact students’ personal growth in the areas of life skills, self-esteem, self-confidence, and stewardship. Through STEM-based adventure education, classroom sessions complement field experiences including sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring local tide pool, marsh, and beach areas. The NESS SEA Program takes students out of their comfort zones to increase self-confidence, life skills, and stewardship, as well as out of the traditional classroom to make learning relevant and exciting. AmeriCorps members are trained and certified in lifeguarding, safe powerboating, sailing and kayaking. In addition, members receive training in positive youth development, classroom management, and US Sailing REACH curricula among others.
Tara Slagley, AmeriCorps Manager
(860) 535-9362; tslagley@nessf.org
New England Science & Sailing (NESS), 70 Water St. / PO Box 733, Stonington, CTÂ 06378