Overview
The Bayfront Maritime Center collaborates annually with the IU5 Migrant Education Program to offer the Bayfront Summer Program. This program aims to support migrant students in reaching their full potential and connect them with maritime experiences along Erie Bayfront.
Program Activities
Students enhance their academic skills in reading, math, and science while engaging in maritime-based activities rooted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The program includes hands-on experiences such as sailing and kayaking, often marking the students’ first interaction with water activities.
Students practice teamwork and communication skills while hoisting the jib aboard BMC’s catamaran Taco the Town.
Sailing on the Erie Boat, Erie’s historic fishing boat BUILT BY KIDS at BMC.
Historical Background
Since its inception in 1999 at the Bayfront Maritime Center’s waterfront campus, the program has focused on serving migrant, immigrant, and refugee students, helping them improve English proficiency and academic skills.
The curriculum includes language arts integrated with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) subjects. Participants engage in practical applications like reading nautical charts, handling different watercraft, interpreting weather conditions, knot tying and navigating using GPS technology.
Recognition
In 2011, Dr. Lisa Ramirez, then Director of Migrant Education at the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Erie School District, the Bayfront Maritime Center, the Pennsylvania Department of Education – Migrant, and IU5 during the National Migrant Education Conference.
