About Marine Learning Project
Building connections between people and the sea since our founding
OUR MISSION
The Marine Learning Project is a Maine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the state's future workforce by providing experiential maritime education for students ages 7–18. Our mission is to connect Maine students with the state's rich maritime heritage while preparing them for high-demand careers in the marine industry, skilled trades, marine technology, and environmental stewardship.
​
Maine faces a critical workforce shortage driven by declining high school graduation rates, an aging population, and increased post-pandemic job growth. Through hands-on, vessel-based learning, the Marine Learning Project addresses this gap by introducing students to real-world marine career pathways and equipping them with essential workforce skills, including leadership, communication, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, resilience, work ethic, and emotional intelligence.
​
By combining traditional sailing, marine systems education, workforce development, and ocean conservation, the Marine Learning Project builds a skilled, inspired generation prepared to sustain Maine's working waterfront, support the blue economy, and lead the future of the marine industry.
OUR VISION
The Marine Learning Project envisions a Maine where every student has access to transformative maritime education that builds leadership, technical skill, and clear pathways into the marine workforce. By connecting young people directly to Maine's working waterfront, marine trades, and ocean-based industries, we are strengthening the future of the state's coastal economy.
​
Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, educators, community organizations, and philanthropic supporters, we aim to create scalable, scholarship-supported experiential learning programs that deliver measurable workforce outcomes. Together, we are developing the next generation of skilled mariners, marine technicians, and ocean professionals while preserving Maine's maritime heritage.
​
We invite donors and corporate partners to invest in hands-on maritime education that produces real-world impact — stronger students, a stronger workforce, and a stronger marine economy for generations to come.
OUR STORY
Long before the Marine Learning Project had a formal name, organizational structure, or nonprofit designation, its work was already underway.
​
Phin Sprague — a lifelong mariner, entrepreneur, and advocate for Maine's working waterfront — had been investing in youth development and maritime education for years. With a deep understanding of Maine's marine industry and a clear awareness of its workforce challenges, he consistently asked a simple question: How do we connect young people to meaningful careers on the water?
​
Through vessel restoration projects, mentorship opportunities, hands-on sailing experiences, and direct industry exposure, Phin began creating practical pathways for Maine students to engage with seamanship, marine trades, leadership development, and applied maritime skills.
​
These efforts were not initially organized under a single banner. They were purpose-driven initiatives designed to address real workforce needs within Maine's coastal economy.
OUR VALUES
Stewardship & Sustainability
A commitment to ocean literacy, environmental responsibility, and preserving Maine's working waterfront for future generations.
Industry Alignment
Programs designed in collaboration with maritime professionals to reflect real-world standards and workforce needs.
Access & Opportunity
Scholarship-supported programs that expand access to maritime education for students from diverse backgrounds.
Workforce Readiness
Early exposure to marine careers that creates clear pathways into skilled trades, higher education, and Maine's coastal economy.
Leadership & Character
Crew-based learning that strengthens accountability, resilience, teamwork, and confident decision-making.
Experiential Learning
Hands-on maritime education that builds real skills through active participation, structured responsibility, and immersive learning environments.
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT US
