Eastern Maine Skippers Program

The Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP) is a collaborative experiential education initiative implemented in nine high schools across coastal eastern Maine. The program empowers students in grades 9–12 with maritime, environmental, and fisheries-related skills while also strengthening students' community connections. 

It provides hands-on learning, including safety-at-sea training, marine ecology, navigation, business, and policy education. EMSP challenges students to research, develop, and present real-world solutions to industry issues with mentorship from local fishermen, scientists, and community members. The program aims to keep youth in school, build relevant skills, foster stewardship of local ecosystems, and prepare Maine’s next generation for evolving careers in fishing, science, and related fields. 

We are grateful to the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries (MCCF)  for making the program available at Deer Isle-Stonington High School and eight others across the state. The connections among students across Maine are invaluable to their success and development.