Environmental Literacy & Workforce Development
All of Maine Sea Grant’s programs and project are implemented to increase environmental literacy and workforce development opportunities for Maine people of all ages. The goals of this focus area are integrated into all extension and communications staff work plans as well as the funding criteria for our research program. We provide academic and professional training, formal and informal education, participatory research and citizen science programming, and free-choice learning opportunities in all focus areas. Literacy activities include production of print, web-based, video, and audio outreach and education products and experiences tailored for specific audiences. Workforce development activities include recruiting and supporting diverse applicants for NOAA and Sea Grant scholarship, fellowship, and internship opportunities, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the UMaine and College of the Atlantic, and providing professional training programs in community engagement and facilitation skills, science communication, fishing and aquaculture practices, and business development.