Eastport Yacht Club
We are an AACPS: Business/Community Partnership | 2020 Business Partner of the Year Nominee
Recognized for their support of AACPS by STEM Office
The Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) Foundation has been a partner with Anne Arundel County Public Schools for ten years. Over those years the foundation has played a key role in helping to provide students with amazing and unique opportunities at every level, including elementary school, middle school, high school, and beyond. In a country filled with Yacht clubs and Marine and Maritime businesses, you will find few that strive to have a community impact that rivals the EYC Foundation. The EYC Foundation’s mission is to bring boating, education, and community together.
The STEM through Sailing and Boating program is offered to fifth grade students and provides students with engaging experiences in various modules connected to recreation and career standards in boating. Students who have access to the water by proximity but lack the network or economic means to experience being on a boat are able to use this experience to grow their knowledge of skills and standards required to pursue this as an interest or passion. It is the goal to encourage students to realize the possibilities of a career or community connection through marine and maritime opportunities. When asked about the partnership, the Principal of Eastport Elementary School shared, “Eastport’s fifth grade students were thrilled to experience your wonderful STEM through the Sailing and Boating program. The knowledge and insight they gained in their research during this trip will remain with them and hopefully instill a lifelong interest in the Chesapeake Bay and its abundant resources.” In addition, a student from Georgetown East Elementary said, “I was always afraid to go on a boat, but now I know about all the safety requirements. Once I was on the sail boat I could see how the simple machines worked! I can’t wait to tell my parents about it!”The EYC Foundation participates in the Adaptive Sailing Program run by Parks and Rec, demonstrating that everyone can enjoy the water.
The EYC Foundation also provides scholarships for students to learn how to sail through their Junior Sailing Scholarship program and for students to pursue educational or career aspirations through the Marine and Maritime Scholarship Program. One recent scholarship recipient shared, “This scholarship will help me pursue my educational goals in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.” Another opportunity is Community Grants open to anyone who meets the requirements of aligning the use of money to an educational component, for kids ages 5-18, location of envisioned program on waterways in Anne Arundel County, and collaborating with other groups or organizations.
Providing opportunities to help educate, inspire, and support students in the Marine and Maritime fields the EYC Foundation and AACPS collaborate on the Career Expo. This brings to life these opportunities for students. One student, from Lindale Middle School said, “I never realized how many jobs are related to the water!”
The EYC Foundation provides these amazing programs by restlessly raising money. These opportunities and experiences come at a cost. The foundation does a tremendous job of fundraising, pursuing grants, and soliciting donations. The members give their time, knowledge, and skills to continue implementing their mission with the goal of increasing their impact each year.
