With past events featuring pre-eminent shark scientists, wooden boat builders, deep sea researchers, offshore wind companies and oyster farmers, WaterWORKS is sure to be inspirational and eye-opening for students interested in the wealth of career opportunities in the Cape’s Blue Economy.

WaterWORKS invites high school students from Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Southern Plymouth County to a half-day program at the Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable Campus on January 16, 2024. The career showcase highlights the broad array of jobs available to them through demonstrations, exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. The connections with various non-profits, research institutions, government agencies and businesses help bring awareness to the region’s high school students of how our environment and economy are inextricably linked.

“WaterWORKS is a tremendous opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to gain exposure to the vast industries that make up our blue economy,” says Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber and Blue Economy Foundation. “Blue careers are here on Cape Cod, and we look forward to students learning all about these exciting opportunities."

The event begins with a brief assembly, which introduces students to the blue economy that surrounds them, what it is and how it is a part of their daily lives. “Expedition” leaders will then guide pre-assigned groups of students through a series of “islands”, each one focused on a specific sector of the blue economy. These islands will expose students to the industry and its opportunities by allowing students to view and, in some cases, participate interactively. Industry representatives from each sector will have booths to exhibit their field and talk with students.

The new Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science Center at Cape Cod Community College will be one of the destinations for this blue economy tour. The day will conclude with the students gathering for lunch and a wrap-up before heading back to school.

“If there is one field trip you make with your seniors this year, it should be to WaterWorks,” says Jim Remillard, Science Department Chair at Saint John Paul II High School. “Students interact and experience Cape Coders living and working on managing our natural resources and addressing critical real-world issues facing Cape Cod. They learn there are exciting career opportunities right here on Cape Cod, no matter the level of post-high school education.”

Registration is currently open for schools, blue economy exhibitors and sponsors at https://www.bluecapecod.org/wa...

WaterWORKS 2024 is organized by Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Community College, and Cape Cod Regional STEM Network with support from Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, Woods Hole Sea Grants, and Barnstable Public Schools.