This project addresses a critical need for reliable field platforms and equipment that allow students, teachers, community members, and partners to conduct real science in coastal environments the…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded $765,000 to Interdistrict Committee For Project Oceanology Corporation on September 1, 2026, under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) to establish reliable field platforms and equipment for coastal science education and workforce development.

The award funds students, teachers, community members, and partners to conduct hands-on science in coastal environments, building STEM competencies, data literacy, stewardship, and awareness of marine science, aquaculture, ocean technology, and maritime career pathways aligned with Connecticut's blue economy. Work is performed at Poquonock Bridge, Connecticut, with a period of performance through September 30, 2027.

Project Oceanology is a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Groton, Connecticut, that delivers environmental education and watershed stewardship programming to federal agencies. The organization operates exclusively in the federal grant space and focuses on place-based outdoor learning and fisheries education in the Thames River watershed region of southeastern Connecticut, serving underperforming school districts and environmental justice communities.

This project addresses a critical need for reliable field platforms and equipment that allow students, teachers, community members, and partners to conduct real science in coastal environments the project supports ocean education, coastal resilience, data acquisition, and workforce development. These experiences build stem competencies, data literacy, stewardship, and awareness of marine science, aquaculture, ocean technology, and maritime career pathways aligned with connecticuts blue economy.