Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Cape Cod Collaborative Observe 18th Year of Advanced Studies & Leadership Program

Summer course for high achieving youth holds recent commencement

Massachusetts Maritime Academy , a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, is proud of its 18-year partnership with the Cape Cod Collaborative (www.capecodcollaborative.org) as co-founders of the Advanced Studies & Leadership Program (ASLP).

The summer college-like residential program held at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus in Buzzards Bay emphasizes leadership and development in concert with project-oriented instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Humanities for high achieving grade 8 and 9 students from the 19 Cape Cod Collaborative member districts and New Bedford public schools.

Students participate in four day modules, 3.5 hours each day, of exciting hands-on study that includes demonstrations and interactive work utilizing the Academy’s world class technology, including simulators and its state-of-the-art science labs.

Now in its 18th year, the ASLP was first envisioned by Massachusetts Maritime Academy President Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, and faculty of the Cape Cod Collaborative. That vision – to inspire high achieving youth from the Cape and Islands to reach for the academic stars – was realized and over the near last two decades has grown into a program that is recognized for its success.

This year’s ASLP recently held its commencement ceremony where the following three students were awarded academic scholarships: Carl Clarke of Nantucket, Mikayla Noonan of Bourne, and Zoe Noonan of Bourne.

“It’s wonderful to work with these students, and see how much fun they have while learning on-site at the Academy,” said Steve Kelleher, ASLP project director for Cape Cod Collaborative.   “It’s exciting to see them realize new possibilities as they start to think about their post-high school plans.”

“It is so satisfying to see how the ASLP has grown and flourished over the past 18 years,” added Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “We are proud to partner with the Cape Cod Collaborative on a program that has educated, inspired, and motivated so many youths.”