Esek Hopkins Middle Schoolers learn at the Bay Center as part of after-school PASA partnership
By Jeaninne Louro, after-school program manager
This fall, Save The Bay partnered with Providence After School Alliance (PASA) to bring Esek Hopkins Middle School students to participate in hands-on education programs. We met with students twice a week throughout the season to explore topics in marine science at our Providence Bay Center.
Educators took groups aboard one of our educational vessels to trawl on Narragansett Bay and the Providence River to observe and collect marine life. For many students, this was their first time on a boat! And it was Save The Bay’s first time collecting a seahorse in the Providence River, which was particularly exciting as the creatures shelter in eelgrass, which needs clean and clear water to thrive.
When asked what they were most excited for on the after-school excursion, students shared a variety of responses:
“Catching animals and looking at sea urchins, spider, hermit, and horseshoe crabs.”
– Hunter
“Fish. I like fishing and animals. I fish at India Point Park and catch Sea Robins a lot.”
– Ivan
“Learning about the ocean and animals that live here. I’m most excited to catch animals and learn.”
– Arianna
“Everything. I remember having fun last time and I’m excited to do it again.”
– Kalena
Save The Bay has engaged in a public-private partnership with Providence After School Alliance for many years to help them meet their mission of closing opportunity gaps by providing quality after-school learning opportunities for all youth in Providence.
See below for more photos from the program:
