usummer pre-college programs portal

Questions for the Director

Justin: Why do students like your program?
John – Because SEA offers a hands-on marine science curriculum that encourages students to participate in active learning. Students gain a sense of responsibility and leadership from working with one another in the classroom and on the ship, and their teamwork inevitably translates into lifelong friendships from having shared such a unique experience.

Justin: What's your favorite aspect(or day/ activity) of each session?
John – Each session begins with a 10-day shore component and ends with a 10 or 11-day sea component. My favorite aspect of this design is that students begin building a community from day one. On shore, they are responsible for not only their academic success in the classroom, but also the day-to-day tasks of grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning in their student cottages. This atmosphere prepares them extremely well for their time at sea, where they become full members of the sailing crew: charting the ship’s course, standing watch, helping in the engine room, conducting oceanographic research, preparing food in the galley, & cleaning the ship. The sense of responsibility and ownership each student feels at the end of a Seminar is unmatched by any other program.

Justin: Where do your students come from?
John – All over the U.S., and we also attract a few international students as well.

Justin: Do you have any special discounts or scholarships this year?
John – We offer need-based financial aid for qualified students. The deadline to apply for aid is April 20; visit https://www.sea.edu/documents/programexpenses.pdf for application instructions.

Justin: Who teaches your classes -or- what are the credentials of your average summer instructor?
John – SEA is best known for our undergraduate SEA Semester programs, which have been running since 1971. We employ full-time faculty for these programs, all of whom are specialists in their fields (Ph.D. for maritime studies & science faculty; US Coast Guard licenses & advanced degrees for captains). These same faculty teach our Summer Seminars, so our high school students have access to a college-level caliber of academics.

Justin: How much free time, including activities, do students have each day? Any favorite field trips?
John – It depends on the program, but free time & structured activities are built into each session. On Oceanography of the Southern California Bight, for example, students get to snorkel in the Wrigley Marine Lab cove on Catalina Island, and hike along the sea bluffs of the southern California coast. On Science at SEA, students take the ferry from Woods Hole to spend a day on Martha’s Vineyard, which is often a favorite field trip.

Justin: Why do you think pre-college programs are important for students to experience before college?
John – As colleges become more and more selective, any college-level academic experience that students can seek out while they’re still in high school will reflect well upon them. Having these experiences shows college admissions counselors that students are motivated, bright individuals who are seeking to challenge themselves and become more well-rounded students. On a personal level, pre-college programs prepare students for the social and academic challenges they are sure to face as an undergraduate; this preparation is sure to help them adapt to the college lifestyle and succeed academically.

Program Description
Sea Education Association offers three unique 3-week Summer Seminars designed to give high school students a hands-on introduction to the field of marine science while encouraging them to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for our oceans. Class sizes are limited so apply early! SEA uses rolling admissions and admits qualified students on a space available basis. Admission materials are reviewed weekly until programs are filled.


Science at SEA
Woods Hole, Massachusetts & at sea
Session I: July 24 – August 11, 2010; Session II: August 4 – 22, 2010

A 20-day program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors focusing on the coastal and offshore marine environment around Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The program includes a shore component on the SEA campus in Woods Hole, and a sea component aboard one of SEA’s sailing research vessels, the SSV Corwith Cramer. During the shore component, students study the marine environment from a variety of perspectives—scientific, historical, literary, and nautical. This is an academic program complete with written assignments and tests. During the sea component, students study offshore oceanography, nautical science, and act as members of the ships crew. Students are evaluated on achievement and effort. 

 
Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine  
Not offered in 2010

Oceanography of the Southern California Bight
Catalina Island, California & at sea
August 8 – 26, 2009*
*2010 dates TBA

A 3-week program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors focused on the marine environments of the California coast. OSCB consists of two components: the first takes place on Catalina Island at the University of Southern California’s Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies (WIES), where students study near shore marine biology and ecology. The second takes place aboard SEA’s research sailing vessel, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, where students study offshore oceanography, sailing among the Channel Islands and into San Pedro, California,  and become members of the ships crew.