Brayden Boarts, a junior at North Caroline High School, recently entered into a Youth Apprenticeship contract with Kristen Lycett, Ph.D., Executive Director of Phillips Wharf Environmental Center in Easton, Maryland.
To finalize the apprenticeship agreement, a signing ceremony was held at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. Brayden, his grandmother Deci Arce, Dr. Lycett, CCPS Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Eric Cook, CCPS Assistant Superintendent Tara Downes, and CCPS High School Career Coach Rob Gowan were in attendance.
"Phillips Wharf is thrilled to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship Program and help train the next generation,” Dr. Lycett said. "Our ability to host student apprenticeships through this progam was part of the long term vision of our Executive Director Emerita Kelly Phillips Cox. From direct participation in oyster restoration to helping us educate guests of all ages about the Chesapeake Bay, to caring for our animal ambassadors, Brayden will be getting hands-on experience in his chosen field."
As an apprentice, Brayden will be helping PWEC implement the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) programming. Work includes the Fishmobile, equipped with 13 tanks and two touch tanks that feature live animals that live in and around the Chesapeake Bay, and assisting with running oyster-based environmental education programs and animal husbandry education programs for younger students.
"Lots of students have expressed interest in Marine Biology with very few options available for them while in high school,” explained Eric Cook, Coordinator of College & Career Readiness and Career Technology Education. “We are thankful to Kristen and Phillips Wharf Environmental Center for providing the opportunity to Brayden, who will be able to pursue his interest in Marine Biology while earning high school credit and an income."
The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on environmental education. Our mission is to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences showcasing the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. Our vision is to enhance and sustain the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystems through our programs and our network.
More information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program may be found on the Caroline County Public Schools website. Local businesses interested in partnering with Youth Apprenticeship or students interested in the program should contact Eric Cook, cook.eric@ccpsstaff.org
All event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Flickr page.