The Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) has been accepted into the Roux Institute’s program for Mission-Aligned Entrepreneurship for Environmental Non-Profits. The new program is designed to assist Maine non-profit organizations that are in the early stage of developing a new income stream to supplement other sources of support.

“It is truly and honor and a privilege to have been selected to participate in this program,” said Pauline Dion, BSSC president and executive director, noting that BSSC is one of six organizations in the state chosen.

The Roux Institute, at Northeastern University, partners with Maine companies to equip the workforce with essential tech skills and advance research and development. The Institute provides programs in entrepreneurship, as well as other academic disciplines and has been deeply involved in a wide variety of Maine industries. Dion and BSSC Co-Treasurer Bruce Washburn and Finance Committee member Robin Whitten will attend the program that begins on Oct. 20.

Boothbay Sea and Science Center was launched in 2013 with the goal of providing innovative and uniquely integrated experiential sea and science learning activities that were not offered elsewhere in the state. That first-year, the program enrolled 24 students ages 5 - 13, providing them with hands-on learning and instilling lifelong skills, at its location at Wottons Wharf and the Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor (aka Boothbay Harbor Shipyard) in Boothbay Harbor.

Entering its 12th year of operations, the BSSC has grown steadily, adding a wide variety of topics that focus on all aspects of the ocean and local rivers, from their biology and geography to the people who work and earn a living on their shores and waters. In addition, BSSC students learn essential water safety skills and how to row and sail.

“We seek to provide a community sea and science education center that offers equal and affordable access to the waterfront for our youth and communities,” Dion said. “We help youth ages 5 - 17 develop independence, self-confidence, responsible ocean stewardship, to work as a team, to develop possible solutions to solve problems while enjoying all that the ocean has to offer.”

This summer season 160 students attended the nine-week sea and science program at BSSC’s new home at 12 Carter Road on the shore of Linekin Bay in East Boothbay. Students learned about maritime art alongside a local artist, shipbuilding, geology, weather forecasting, tides and currents, marine debris, aquaculture ... and so much more. They also gained a better understanding of the impact of climate change, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

“Every year we offer a variety of topics that are relevant to the students and apply our resources to bridge Maine’s “marine gap” that deprives youth access to the ocean, marine/maritime connections and insight into environmental and workforce topics and concerns.” Dion said.

Also this summer, BSSC reached out to Maine middle school and high school students living in inland communities with an experiential marine science/environmental education program made possible by a grant from the Maine Department of Education (supporting the Governor’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative) in partnership with Lincoln Academy where the students spent their nights.

BSSC’s 2023 staff, a diverse and talented pool of instructors, hailed from St. Mary’s College, Lesley University, University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy, University of New England, Central Maine Community College, Weber State University, University of Vermont, Boothbay Region High School, Rye Country Day School, Black Rock Middle School, Greenwich High School, a home school in Boothbay. BSSC is proud of its partnerships and collaborations in the Boothbay Region and beyond that provide depth, breadth, and scope to all of its programs.

In addition, BSSC’s Exploring the Science of Seaweed Farming school-year program is entering its 7th school year with 15 Maine middle schools (up from 11 in 2022/2023) in seven counties. Students and teachers participating in this program study and through hands-on activities experience Maine’s rapidly growing seaweed farming industry.