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Nonprofit floating‑classroom program reports growth, regional partnerships and new staff
Summary
Mentor Megog Community Maritime (MSEC) updated the Newport City Council on its floating‑classroom education program: 462 students served this season across 18 schools, new paid staff hires, expanded partnerships (UVM, Rubinstein Lab, Vermont Land Trust), and funding from a congressional earmark and local/state matches.
Representatives of Mentor Megog Community Maritime (MSEC) and the Northern Star presented a progress report to the Newport City Council on Nov. 4, describing expanded programming, partnerships and newly hired staff to sustain floating classroom education initiatives.
Douglas Coutts summarized the program's history and goals: MSEC has operated since 2016 and runs a floating science laboratory that provides age‑appropriate water‑quality and watershed lessons. Presenters said the program served about 462 students this past season across grades 3–8 from approximately 18 schools in the region, including Troy, Derby, Newport, Barton, Orleans and Coventry. The program delivered 17 cruises, 16 in‑school "classroom" sessions and 12 "gateway" programs that debrief onshore.
Coutts and other presenters said the organization has moved to hire paid staff (including a coordinator and an AmeriCorps volunteer) to make the program sustainable. Funding sources listed in the presentation included a congressional earmark administered by the regional housing board, support from the Vermont Community Foundation, a local $20,000 fundraising match that the state doubled to $40,000, and other grants. Partnerships named included the Rubinstein Lab and University of Vermont, the Vermont Land Trust, Northwoods Stewardship Center and Quebec watershed groups to help engage French‑language schools.
Presenters discussed plans to expand year‑round activity with indoor curriculum for the academic year (to complement the short sailing season), pilot adult‑education cruises, and a soft launch of exhibits planned for April next year. They also noted logistical constraints for cross‑border pickup of students on the water and described a bus‑based approach to bring Quebec students to the Gateway for programming.
Council members praised the program and shared positive anecdotes from classroom visits; presenters said they will return in the spring with updated plans and progress reports.
