PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (April 20, 2017) – US Sailing has partnered with Sperry Charleston Race Week to create new pathways for our sailors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. Sperry Charleston Race Week, the largest keelboat regatta in North America, will be hosting sailors from around the world on April 20-23, 2017. In conjunction with the event, US Sailing will be hosting “Sailing Through STEM Day” on Saturday, April 22 at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina at Patriot’s Point from 10:00 am-2:00 pm EST.
We welcome youth to the Charleston Harbor Resort at Patriot’s Point on Saturday to join in on three different activities including:
- Simple Machine Scavenger Hunt
- How to Pack a Sustainable Lunch
- Land Sailing
Thanks to our sponsors, 11th Hour Racing and Harken, there will be prizes awarded for those who complete some of the activities!
There will also be a Reach Educator Course Friday, April 21, at the College of Charleston. There are still spots available and you can sign up here!
If you’re interested in hosting a “Sailing Through STEM” event or a Reach Educator Course at your organization please e-mail us at reach@ussailing.org.
US Sailing Media Contact: Jake Fish, US Sailing Communications Manager, communications@ussailing.org
What is US Sailing’s Reach?
Funded by John B. and Nelly Llanos Kilroy Foundation, US Sailing’s Reach Initiative utilizes sailing as an educational platform to establish a passion for learning and exploring productive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based education and careers. US Sailing is committed to creating partnerships with middle schools, sailing centers, and local sailing centers around the country through Reach. This program also provides quality exposure and awareness of the wonders of sailing as a fun, rewarding activity for youth.
What is Sailing through STEM Day?
“Sailing through STEM” is a great opportunity to get kids excited about marine science, conservation, engineering, and design. This special event consists of STEM-related stations with hands-on learning activities.
These activities have a direct correlation to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS identifies content for science and engineering practices that all students should learn from kindergarten through high school.
Who is Implementing STEM and Reach in Charleston?
The College of Charleston Sailing Team has partnered with Creek Bridge Middle School in Marion, SC to take sixth graders who have completed the Reach curriculum sailing, and in most cases for the first time. Charleston Community Sailing has also been implementing Reach through the leadership of Executive Director, Jessica Koenig.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.