The Reach ‘Hubs’ are regional networks of programs led by ‘Centers of Excellence’ (COE) that serve as a model of best practices and share learning resources with surrounding ‘Reach Centers’ and ‘Reach Programs’ in specific regions. This national network maximizes the impact of creating systemic change in STEM education through the sport of sailing.
The program began in 2015 establishing the first Hub in the Northeast, since then Hubs have been created in the Mid-Atlantic, Southern California, and our newest area, the Midwest. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have completed three years of program quality assessment (PQA) and biannual mentor sessions through funding from 11th Hour Racing and Rolex. Both regions found significant value in meeting twice a year and have continued to expand their regional partnerships, meeting each spring and fall to share resources and connect.
Southern California is entering their second year as a Reach Hub, undergoing PQA for five different programs and continuing their mentor sessions. The Midwest held its first mentor session last fall. A number of programs got together to brainstorm around successes and challenges with early stages of implementation of the Reach curriculum specifically relating to partnering with schools youth service providers. They look forward to continuing the conversation this fall.
2019 Reach Grant Recipients
With support from Rolex, US Sailing is excited to foster new Reach Hub programs and resources to actively “normalize” STEM education and environmental literacy. Active Reach Hubs include Southern California and the Midwest. All grant recipients are from these regions.
Southern California
Mission Bay Aquatic Center (STEM COE) – Associated Students of San Diego State University – Mission Bay Aquatic Center strives to provide the access to the best water sports experiences in a safe, fun, and sustainable environment. Mission Bay Aquatic Center is a primary gateway for youth and adults from all walks of life to become a sailor. Over decades we have literally introduced the sport of sailing to tens of thousands of students. Since 2017, MBAC has impacted 6,000 students through the Reach program. They have integrated the curriculum into multiple camps at their facility, through a Classroom to Coast program with schools and at outreach events. They look forward to expanding more this year in existing programs and start a new program with a homeschool group.
USSC Long Beach/Pacific Coast Sailing Foundation – Their mission is to promote and enhance boating and sailing education and safety from beginning learn to sail through Olympic level competitive sailing. To provide top quality facilities and equipment as well as state of the art administrative and educational tools, techniques and personnel to support and improve the sport.
USSC Long Beach has offered Reach programming since 2014 in their summer sailing camps, impacting over 200 youth each year. They have been steadily growing their partners to include charter schools and a variety of youth service providers, giving more youth in the greater Long Beach area a chance to explore STEM and Sailing on keelboats and dinghies.
Newport Sea Base/Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America – The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Reach modules are implemented in their year round programs with the Junior Racing Team, Home School Sailing program, and Junior Sea Scouts exploring an in-depth progression and learning experience with students participating in more than five modules. Newport Sea Base integrates modules throughout the summer programs as well.
Orange Coast College School of Sailing & Seamanship/Orange Coast College Foundation – The OCC School of Sailing & Seamanship strives to deliver access and excellence in maritime education for OCC students and the public. They have utilized several Reach modules in their summer sailing camps and 200 youth ages 7 to 17 have enjoyed hands-on science and sailing each year since 2016. This year they are adding Reach to their spring camp, partnering with new schools, and offering Reach modules as activities for attendees of their June Summer Sailstice event.
Westwind Sailing/Dana Point Aquatic Foundation -Westwind Sailing’s mission is to provide community sailing & boating safety education which inspires responsibility for the aquatic environment; to promote overall health and wellness through sailing & boating instruction; and to create an atmosphere that is safe, fun and encourages personal success. For the past five years they have worked with community partners to offer a spring and fall afterschool Sail into Science program. Additionally, Westwind teaches Reach modules during the spring and summer youth sailing camp program. Each summer approximately 250 youth receive this education.
Midwest
Columbia Sailing School at Columbia Yacht Club (STEM COE)- Columbia Sailing School – Shaping stewards for our waters. Columbia Sailing School began implementing the Reach curriculum in 2017 through their Adventure Kids Camp and “STEM nights” with several schools that host events at their facility. Since then, they have grown their program, impacting 130 students in 2018 and expect to grow even more in 2019 with new partnerships with nine schools and several afterschool programs. See Video from 2018: