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The Craney Island Eastward Expansion Academic Outreach Program focuses on integrating project-related material with academic enrichment experiences in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. Local STEM education initiatives are grounded in increasing the number of students who are eligible and willing to take higher level mathematics and science classes in high school and beyond.
The Craney Island Eastward Expansion project is an ideal platform to meet these initiatives by relating STEM concepts to the “real world” of the maritime industry. During the 2009-2010 school year, representatives from the Virginia Port Authority and Moffatt & Nichol Engineers participated in hands-on science experiments and lessons related to the Craney Island project through the CHROME Club (Cooperating Hampton Roads Organizations for Minorities in Engineering).
The project team plans to continue working with CHROME clubs in the region to teach students about the importance of the maritime industry and the Craney Island project, which they will be able to see develop over the years. The project team has also offered their support for the Learn and Serve America Grant from the Virginia Department of Education, which has allowed seventh graders attending school near Craney Island to grow and plant oysters as part of regional efforts to clean up the Elizabeth River.
Environmental stewardship is an important part of the Craney Island Eastward Expansion project, and the project team plans to partner with more local schools to use environmental lessons learned in the classroom to continue keeping the river clean. The Craney Island Design Partners Public Outreach Team is dedicated to working with students in the Hampton Roads community to educate them about the maritime industry and how the Craney Island Eastward Expansion will affect their lives and future careers.
By participating in the ODU Maritime Career Day, which was attended by more than 700 local middle and high schoolers, representatives were able to spread the word about the many different kinds of jobs in the region which are related to the Port and the maritime industry. Because of its proximity to The Port of Virginia, Hampton Roads is abundant with opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge, and continued education needed to pursue a career in the maritime industry. |
