Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) recently set sail with a mission to inspire and educate, hosting a unique STEAM program aboard the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey for high school students identifying as women and/or non-binary. The four-day Education Sail, titled “Women in STEAM: An Ernestina-Morrissey Interdisciplinary Experience,” took place from June 23 to 26, offering an immersive learning experience for 11 young students from underserved communities across Massachusetts.
The program, guided by MMA faculty Dr. Heather Burton and Dr. Morgan Banville, blended maritime heritage with interdisciplinary learning, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Students engaged in hands-on activities, from sail handling and anchor raising to writing, history, and seamanship. Pamela Cerrud-Ahern, program director of the Capt. Paul Cuffe Global Institute, joined as a translator to support any English as a Foreign Language (ESL) students.
Safety was a top priority. Before setting sail, the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey crew briefed participants on emergency protocols, including person overboard, fire aboard the vessel, and abandon ship procedures. They also toured the vessel and reviewed all safety systems and devices.
The educational journey took the students through Stellwagen Bank, a National Marine Sanctuary known for its rich marine life. The students observed whales and seals in their natural habitat, adding to the awe and excitement of the experience. Each day, the students took part in watch duty and other shipboard tasks, building their communication, collaboration, and sailing confidence.
The daily humanities sessions featured lessons in interview techniques, college essay writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Each evening, students wrote in their journals, processing the day’s insights and experiences. Academic programming also included a historical review of the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey and a discussion of the role of women at sea during the whaling era.
Nighttime activities aboard the vessel, such as card games and charades, centered around bonding. While students were not required to stand watch throughout the evenings while docked, they had the opportunity to sleep on deck and stargaze. On the second day, the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey docked in Provincetown, where students, chaperoned by faculty, Cerrud-Ahern, and ship Captain Tiffany Krihwan, enjoyed dinner and a tour of the town.
The SSV Ernestina-Morrissey, part of MMA’s permanent fleet, serves as an educational platform for sail and leadership training for cadets, K-12 STEM programs, and community engagement. This program is a testament to MMA’s commitment to providing unique, hands-on learning experiences that inspire and educate the next generation of maritime leaders.
The success of this program could pave the way for more initiatives that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in maritime education. It highlights the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to engage with and learn about the maritime industry. As the sector continues to evolve, such programs can help shape a more diverse and skilled workforce, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future. The hands-on, experiential learning approach can also serve as a model for other educational institutions looking to engage students in meaningful and impactful ways.