We’ve experienced less than two weeks of COVID-19 quarantine here in New York City, but the Billion Oyster Project crew is already eager to get back on Governors Island — the headquarters we share with the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School. In anticipation of being reunited, we want to take this opportunity to explain the unique partnership between Billion Oyster Project and our flagship public school.

Harbor School students, grades 9-12, engage with our oyster restoration project — and train for future careers — through one of seven marine Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These include Aquaculture, Marine Policy & Environmental Advocacy, Marine Biology Research, Marine Systems Technology, Ocean Engineering, Professional Diving, and Vessel Operations. More than 500 students from all five boroughs attend the school on Governors Island, which is accessible only by ferry from Lower Manhattan.

Imagine operating commercial-scale oyster nurseries, conducting underwater scientific research, building and operating boats, or conducting marine science research—all in the murky fast-moving waters of one of the busiest ports in the nation. This is the everyday experience of 16- and 17-year-old Harbor School students who have the opportunity to graduate with a CTE endorsement on their high school diploma and an entry-level professional credential.

“High-quality CTE programs provide an invaluable bridge to future learning and employment paths” says Harbor School principal Jeffrey Chetriko. “Harbor School students are preparing for job experience and post-secondary education by engaging in a curriculum centered on fixing real-world problems thanks to the support of Billion Oyster Project.”

Photo by Katie Orlinsky for the Pew Charitable Trusts

The concept of CTE programs – work-based learning that prepares students for college and careers – is becoming increasingly relevant in our world today. Similar programs are offered at more than 50 of New York City’s 400 high schools, however, the Harbor School is unique in its marine and maritime focused CTE programs.

Sandy Hook Pilots’ Captain John DeCruz is a Billion Oyster Project board member, and has been actively involved with the Vessel Operations CTE program. “The Harbor School’s CTE Programs, like Vessel Operations, gives the students a “Jump Start” towards a great career in the Maritime Industry here in New York Harbor and throughout the country” says DeCruz.

Like any CTE program, a successful partnership between Billion Oyster Project and the Harbor School needs a liaison who is dedicated to connecting students, faculty and industry partners to curricular, extracurricular, and internship opportunities for Harbor School students. Thanks to a challenge grant from The TK Foundation and several generous donors*, Billion Oyster Project and the Harbor School recently welcomed Captain Mike Cohen to the role of Partnership Manager.

As New York City juniors and seniors inch closer to graduation, interactions with higher ed and relevant industries are crucial. Mike is currently working with NYCEDC to co-host a maritime and freight logistics career fair in which businesses from the transportation, distribution and logistics industry are invited to exhibit and qualifying schools are invited to attend.

“This will be the third annual NYCEDC Maritime and Freight Logistics Career Awareness Fair, and the first to be co-produced by Billion Oyster Project” says Partnership Manager Mike Cohen. “The first two were spectacular events, bringing students from throughout the city to meet potential employers from across the maritime spectrum, and our goal this year is to go bigger and better!”

To learn more about the Harbor School and the NYC Maritime and Freight Logistics Career Awareness Fair, currently delayed by the COVID-19 shutdown, please reach out to Mike at mcohen@nyharbor.org.

*Additional funding was provided by NYCEDC, Hornblower, Seastreak, Water Quality Insurance Syndicate, and AIMU.

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A maritime education — just a ferry ride away