Project Link

CONTACT:

PO Box 167
Manchester, MA 01944
978-768 - 7469

John V. Henderson

DESCRIPTION:

Here is how one person's vision becomes philanthropy: A director of an education research and development organization, who was also a retired school principal and life-long sailor, reflected as follows: 1) most yachts spend far more time on their moorings than in use; 2) seamanship uses academic disciplines—math, physics, meteorology, problem-solving, measurement, analytical reasoning, communicating, etc. Ergo: 1) + 2) = 3) Why not persuade yacht owners to loan their boats (tax-deductibly, under command of an experienced, coastguard-licensed captain) for use in middle- and secondary-school experiential learning marine field trips? For the students it is an unforgettable experience, yoking living and learning for personal/social development. Modest funding covers navigation tools, charts and other materials, skipper time, food, and institutional overhead. It fits into curricula easily, under the Massachusetts Ed Reform Science and Technology Frameworks. For the 2004-05 school year, Project Link is monitoring the water quality in the Annisquam, Castle Neck and Essex Rivers, with the work carried out at Gloucester, Essex and Manchester high schools. Students chart tides and currents and will publish the data. To continue its work, Project Link is seeking funds to match grants already received. Won't you help?

(1999: CULTURE: Education: Formal: School-Related)