© brooklyboatworks.org
This year marks two decades of operation for Brooklyn Boatworks in Brooklyn, NY, and this remarkable organization is just getting started.
“Founded in 2005 by Carl Persak and Jeremy Wurmfeld, Brooklyn Boatworks began as a small volunteer program with a heartfelt purpose – to engage New York City youth in their environment while developing critical thinking skills,” said Executive Director Maggie McNicholas. “Fast forward to today, our programs serve over 375 students per year, inspiring them through the craft of boat building and bridging the gap between underserved children and STEM opportunities.”
“We’re teaching kids that they’re not ‘bad’ at math or science – what they need is the confidence to jump into uncharted waters and discover a whole world of possibilities. There’s been lots of progress in our student-built boats. The school year started with lessons on lofting, a.k.a. measuring the boat’s blueprints onto full-sized pieces of wood.”
The Optimist prams are nearing completion, their builders looking forward to launching them during Brooklyn Boatworks Fleet Week and Graduation. “Our students are fully immersing themselves in the project, learning both practical and strategic thinking skills in an exciting way,” McNicholas continued. “On top of that, they’re collaborating and connecting with peers – making life-changing discoveries together.”
For more information and to support this program, visit brooklynboatworks.org. ■
