11th Hour Racing announce first round of grantees
by 11th Hour Racing 3 May 2018 11:13 PDT
Dr. Jenna Jambeck uses the marine debris tracker app she created to collate data on plastic pollution © University of Georgia
11th Hour Racing is committed to mobilizing the sailing and marine communities to create systemic change for the improved health of our oceans.
Fostering environmentally sustainable practices on and off the water is critical, and requires commitment across many sectors including industry, research, nonprofits, and the sailing community. The recipients for our first set of grants in 2018 represent a wide-range of solutions for restoring ocean health and putting sustainability at the forefront of decision-making.
"We are proud to support the work of this incredible group of organizations," said Michelle Carnevale, Program Manager, 11th Hour Racing. "I'm excited to see the impact these innovative, dynamic projects will create and look forward to sharing more about their initiatives and results over the next year."
11th Hour Racing's grant work is divided into three categories: support and promote solutions that Reduce Ocean Pollution; educate and foster Ocean Stewardship amongst sailing and coastal communities; Advance Clean Technologies and Best Practices that reduce the environmental impact of the sailing industry and maritime communities.
For 2018, we are proud to launch new initiatives with longtime grantees and foster new projects including:
Clean Ocean Access – Since 2016, four trash skimmers installed along waterfronts in Rhode Island have collected nearly 20,000 pounds of debris. This new grant will expand the very successful Trash Skimmer Project beyond Narragansett Bay to the broader New England region. Skimmers will be located in highly visible and accessible sites to not only reduce marine debris but also grow public awareness.
Community Boating Center New Bedford – Will expand their science and engineering programming to engage approximately 3000 public school students in New Bedford, and launch a new training program for high-school aged students focused on sustainable aquaculture, filling a skill gap in the regional fishing industry.
Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory – Empower middle school and high school students to build their own boats, make their own sails, and learn how to sail all while using the art and science of these disciplines to foster physical and emotional health among participants. By weaving social-emotional learning into programming, participants are placed on a trajectory where they are more likely to succeed in high school and beyond.
RIMTA Foundation – This pilot project will repurpose retired or abandoned vessels, by dismantling and re-processing their fiberglass hulls into cement as an alternative to sending the material to landfill. The Rhode Island Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Project is modeled after successful experiences in Europe and builds upon two years of research and investigation by Rhode Island Sea Grant.
Rocking the Boat – Using activities centered on small boats and local waters—sailing, environmental science, and wooden boatbuilding—Rocking the Boat helps young people in the poorest Congressional District in the nation, develop the technical, social, and emotional skills to realize their full potential. This new grant will launch the College Persistence Program, which will provide social and academic support to Rocking the Boat alums after high school, through college or training experience to ensure success in the long-term.
Sail Newport – A unique grant for the One Ocean Exploration Zone at the Newport stopover of the 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race. The exhibit will bring together 26 organizations to offer hands-on opportunities for kids and adults alike to discover ocean science and learn more about protecting the marine environment.
UN Environment – Their #CleanSeas campaign aims to engage governments, the general public, civil society, and the private sector in the fight against marine plastic pollution. Over the next five years, this campaign aims to address the root-cause of marine litter by targeting the production and consumption of single-use plastic – and is currently creating a groundswell of activity at each of the Volvo Ocean Race stopovers.
University of Georgia – Supporting the work of Dr. Jenna Jambeck and Dr. Kyle J. Johnsen, this grant project will expand the Marine Debris Tracker app, and forge new partnerships with Seabin and the Sea Education Association – for all three elements of the project, the end goal will be using and applying the data collected on marine litter to inform change around the world.
"As part of our commitment to funding innovative projects, we also work to spread their message to the sailing and broader coastal community," said Todd McGuire, Program Director, 11th Hour Racing. "We look forward to showcasing the incredible work of these organizations through our ambassadors, partners, and media relations."