The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School (grades 9-12) is a public high school on Governors Island, focused on preparing students for maritime careers. Billion Oyster Project provides real-world training for those careers and prep for college, by supporting the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Through CTE programming, Billion Oyster Project staff members and practicing scientists act as advisors to students. The Harbor School admits students through the New York City lottery system (no previous maritime education required), so every student has an equal opportunity to attend. As sophomores, students enroll in one of seven Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study, leading to industry certification. The experience includes a continuum of work-based learning, and Billion Oyster Project provides a real-world context for practicing maritime skills, like growing oysters or designing reef structures.
To learn more about how Billion Oyster Project is putting thousands of New York City students at the center of the movement to restore oyster reefs to NY Harbor — visit our STEM Education page.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
Aquaculture
Growing shellfish, fin fish, algae, and plants related to aquatic systems.
Marine Biology Research
Proposing solutions to environmental problems, drawing from biology, ecology, and oceanography.
Professional Diving
Training as scientific SCUBA divers; diving to install and inspect reef structures and oysters.
Marine Policy & Advocacy
Understanding the stakeholders in environmental/marine law, and influencing policy.
Vessel Operations
Preparing for careers as licensed deck crew; operating the vessels required to build, maintain, and monitor reef sites.
Marine Systems Technology
Building, maintaining, and repairing vessels and reef infrastructure.
Ocean Engineering
Designing and building 3D structures for use in the ocean.
Explore Harbor School Programs
The Harbor School instills in students the ethics of environmental stewardship and the skills associated with careers on the water.
Shell Collection
Learn how we collect oyster shells to build more oyster reefs.