Who are we? ISEA is a Michigan non-profit charity made up of scientists, sailors and educators. We are dedicated to teaching young people and adults about aquatic sciences, encouraging academic interest in science, and inspiring active stewardship of the Great Lakes. This work is carried out by over 200 trained volunteers, supported by a staff of just 5 full-time professionals.
What do we do? ISEA partners with schools from all around Michigan and neighboring states. We provide a science and sailing adventure that is so rich, and so involving, that our students emerge with a personal sense of stewardship that can last a lifetime. Every year, as many as 5,000 students sail and learn about the Great Lakes aboard ISEA’s science-lab equipped “Schoolships” like our 77 foot schooner, Inland Seas. The lessons taught aboard Schoolship are aligned with the Michigan State Board of Education’s curriculum expectations for science and social studies, and go way beyond what can be taught in a classroom. ISEA’s hands-on educational programs have inspired over 80,000 students since 1989.
Why is this important? The health of the Great Lakes is under constant threat from invasive species, pollution and other pressures. The physical and economic well being of all of our families in the Great Lakes region are tied to those beautiful waters. They need to be protected, and the work of protecting them must begin with education. After 20 seasons on the water, we are convinced that the scientists and citizens who will solve the Great Lakes’ problems of the future are sailing aboard Inland Seas’ ships today.
Why do we need your help? To keep ISEA’s programs affordable, the fees we charge schools only cover about 1/3 of our cost. The other 2/3 is provided by our generous donors, whose charitable gifts are combined to fund matching scholarship grants. It is because of those gifts that we are able to continue reaching more and more students with the urgent task of protecting our Great Lakes.
We also need your help in spreading the word! Please tell your friends about ISEA, and encourage them to join us in preserving the Great Lakes for future generations.
| |
