Welcome! You’re receiving this email because you have been involved with Northwest Maritime’s Blue Schools Initiative. For that, thank you for your continued support of maritime, hands-on learning, and your community!
2025 was an exciting year of progress! Over the last year, we have:
- Launched the Blue Schools Initiative in 4 counties and counting in Washington State, including the North Olympic Peninsula, Whatcom County, Kitsap, and others.
- Blue Schools Whatcom is working with Meridian School District leaders on a five-year plan to incorporate Blue Schools into the Whatcom County Skills Center (a facility designed to support hands-on learning in multiple fields, including maritime).
- Proof in the pudding—80% of Port Townsend Maritime Academy students will be entering the maritime industry or a maritime post-secondary opportunity (so we know it is possible!).
- Grown to a National level, working with maritime leaders in Maine and California
The next phase of this work is about connecting established communities to the larger network. In this bi-monthly newsletter, you will hear stories of success from the network (consisting of over 400 organizations/schools/community leaders, etc.). The newsletter will also be a platform to draw connections, share opportunities for collaboration, and raise awareness of maritime education and connections to the sea.
– Katelyn Kean
Northwest Maritime’s Associate Director of Development & Government Relations
Jump to Your Blue Schools Community Updates:
What is the Blue School Initiative?
The Blue Schools Initiative connects students and their communities with the maritime world, building a sense of belonging and inspiring care for our waters as well as opening doors to maritime careers. By breaking down barriers and working to include everyone, we’ll build community prosperity, foster environmental stewardship, and create a strong, sustainable maritime economy that benefits everyone. Learn more.
Blue Schools Impact
Classroom on the Water: I Want to Go to Maritime High School
Any experienced mariner will tell you, each time you step aboard a boat there’s a learning opportunity—Northwest Maritime doesn’t declare the sea ‘the greatest teacher we know’ for nothing… Keep Reading
Northwest Maritime Launches Hands-On Olympia Oyster Restoration Project in Partnership with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and Puget Sound Restoration Fund
A regional partnership will put Olympia oysters at the center of science, restoration, hands-on learning and ocean stewardship… Keep Reading
Forging a Future: Jared’s Journey from PTMA to Port Townsend Foundry
When I sat down with Jared, a 17-year-old senior at Port Townsend High School, I was struck right away by how confidently he spoke about his summer job… Keep Reading
Teenagers learning boating skills through program
The 20 mph wind blowing through Port Angeles Harbor on Tuesday afternoon wasn’t strong enough to deter two members of the Port Angeles High School sailing team… Keep Reading
Community Boating Center: Hands-on Science on Bellingham Bay
In August last year, a giant MegaSUP was tied to Taylor Dock, paddled over by a group of Middle Schoolers attending summer camp at the Community Boating Center… Keep Reading
Career Fairs in February
Two Maritime Career Events coming up on Wednesday, February 25 in Bellingham! All ages are welcome to attend either event… Keep Reading
Scientists begin European green crab trapping season in Drayton Harbor
Scientists are setting traps for the invasive European green crab around Drayton Harbor in hopes of catching more juvenile crabs that were discovered last fall… Keep Reading
Maine Maritime Academy Student Perspectives
Every student at MMA brings a unique set of skills and interests to campus. In addition to their studies, many are involved in extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports, or volunteer their time and talent in the community… Keep Reading
Forging the Fleet: Maine Maritime Academy Expands to Build the Nation’s Defense Workforce
When Maine Maritime Academy opened the doors to the public in late October for the unveiling of its newest campus in Brunswick… Keep Reading
Here’s how to save working waterfront
Many people and organizations in Maine, including the publishers of this paper, have rightfully sounded the alarm about the loss of working waterfront along the coast… Keep Reading
If you have a story of success or opportunities that you would like to share, please submit the idea, link to the posting, or reach out using this form.
Our Pathways
Want to get involved or learn more?
Contact Katelyn Kean at katelyn@nwmaritime.org
