This project will continue to promote jobs in the aquaculture industry cluster by expanding high school students’ understanding of what jobs are available in the aquaculture industry cluster, expanding educational opportunities that meet employers’ needs, and supporting internship opportunities that help young people gain experience and awareness. This is a continuation of a pilot project which has two prongs for students.
- Summer program aquaculture training (spat): partner with local community colleges to provide a one-week hands-on education immersion summer course for high school students in the aquaculture and marine industries. Participating community colleges will host at minimum one element of the multi-faceted teacher training sessions.
- Internship placement: a 75-hour internship placement with local aquaculture businesses for rising seniors. The project team will work with local industry to understand workforce challenges and needs. Industry partners will be provided with information on internship best practices to prepare them for hosting the interns.
The Implementation project will also include a training program for teachers in participating localities.
- Statewide Project Theme: Workforce Development
- Region 6 Priority Industry Cluster: Aquaculture/Seafood/Commercial Fishing/Marine Industries
- GO Virginia Request: $302,536.00
- Match: $177,803.00
- Source of Match: Aquaculture Industry Partners ($74,500), BCWDB and Hampton Roads Workforce ($46,250), Virginia Seafood AREC ($10,273), Lancaster, Gloucester, Matthews, Richmond, and Northhampton County ($19,780), New Horizons ($1,580), Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School ($21,220)
- Project Type: Statewide Competitive
