First National Bank recently announced a $15,000 contribution to Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) to support their STEM Education Programs which connect students and educators through experiential learning and community-focused marine science. The programs include student-centered marine ecology activities, scallop aquaculture field work, teacher support, general school assistance and educational collaborations.
Hurricane Island provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programming to partner schools throughout Maine, including Oceanside High School in Rockland. Their initiatives engage students in research-based projects within their school and along the waterfront, tailoring projects to revolve around student-generated research questions that relate to the local ecosystem. Their science education emphasizes hands-on experiences with marine research sites, fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a deeper connection to the land.
“The generous support from the First National Bank allows our educators and researchers to work alongside the students and teachers who benefit the most from deepening their understanding of the local marine ecology. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Oceanside High School and grateful for this funding.” -Bo Hoppin, Executive Director Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership.
In addition to providing research opportunities, Hurricane Island runs 5-day summer science programs for middle and high school students as well as weekend island-based programs for adult learners. For more information on Hurricane Island visit: www.hurricaneisland.net.
First National Bank, a subsidiary of The First Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNLC) is an independent community bank with 18 offices in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, Washington and Penobscot Counties. For more information about First National Bank, please call 1-800-564-3195 or visit www.thefirst.com.