Program Overview
Pilot Program
The aquaculture, seafood, commercial fishing, and marine industry is prime for growth in GO Virginia Region 6, especially in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula as well as GO Virginia Region 5’s Eastern Shore. In 2023, Virginia Tech and Rappahannock Community College launched a pilot, Promoting Careers in Aquaculture, to help high school students gain awareness of the aquaculture industry and get hands-on experience in the field with industry partners. 13 students and 10 industry partners participated in the pilot.
What's Next in 2.0
In 2024, the program will focus on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula footprint and will continue to create positive career and growth opportunities for students and industry partners. The program will also include a new project element that extends to local K-12 educators to build on previous success and help to create a long-term sustainability plan. In 2025, the program will expand its footprint to include the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads.
2024 Program Timeline
May 10: Eight week online learning modules are due.
June 3-7 (Northern Neck students & teachers) and June 10-14 (Middle Peninsula students & teachers): Students participate in the Summer Program For Aquaculture Training (S.P.A.T.), which includes hands-on STEM training, tours, and experiential learning.
June-August: Ongoing student internship placements with industry partners
June 17-21: Teach the Teacher Training (teachers only)
August 15: Teacher lesson plans are due.
August 31: Students and teachers will be awarded their cash stipends. Students will receive a digital badge, and teachers will receive a credential with continuing education units.
Our Partners
The Promoting Careers in Aquaculture 2.0 program is funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia's economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries.