Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1989 with a mission of inspiring Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion among people of all ages. To accomplish this mission, we offer hands-on, science, math and engineering (STEM) experiential learning activities aboard traditionally-rigged tall ship schooners, within the Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station, from the Discovery Center and Pier, through a variety of boat building programs, in guided walks through our constructed wetland or at a variety of streams and ponds within the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, as well as through a broad range of teacher professional development opportunities. The philosophy and goals guiding how we conduct our work include: *Inspiring a connection with and appreciation for the most important resource in North America *Providing participants with an unforgettable, hands-on, engaging, fun, safe, and professional experience *Engaging participants in real experiences monitoring the health of our Great Lakes, thereby enhancing understanding and appreciation of scientific information and principles *Developing an interest in STEM-related careers positively impacting the number of individuals working on behalf of our freshwater resources *Encouraging stewardship behavior Developing the next generation of Great Lakes stewards was the principle Inland Seas was founded on over 30 years ago and continues to be our focus today. We protect the Great Lakes through education and are proud to have provided outstanding place-based experiential educational experiences to over 125,000 learners throughout the Great Lakes basin.