NYC Ferry launches Floating Classroom program
NYC Ferry is introducing a new initiative called the “Floating Classroom,” which will transform part of its fleet into marine science classrooms during the off-peak season. This program is a collaboration between NYC Ferry, the Economic Development Corporation, and the Billion Oyster Project, a nonprofit focused on oyster-reef restoration.
Program details and educational goals
Starting this fall, the Floating Classroom will offer 90-minute voyages twice daily, focusing on marine biology, climate change, and career opportunities related to New York Harbor. The program aims to accommodate 10,000 K-12 public school students annually, with a daily capacity of 300 students. Ann Fraioli, the education director at the Billion Oyster Project, emphasized the unique experience of learning about marine life in a real-world setting, stating, “You can teach a student about oysters, marine life, or water quality in a classroom, but there’s something different about being out there and seeing it for yourself.”
The Floating Classroom will operate on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day, coinciding with a period of lower ferry demand. NYC Ferry typically sees its highest ridership in July and August, with reduced service during winter months.
Context of the program’s launch
The launch of this program aligns with efforts by public schools to reduce screen time following the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels have implemented a ban on solo screen time for students through 2nd grade and established guidelines for limited screen time in higher grades. In response, a local parent movement has emerged, advocating for educational experiences that take students outside traditional classrooms.
The announcement of the Floating Classroom will take place at the DUMBO Ferry Terminal in Brooklyn Bridge Park, followed by a voyage to Governor’s Island. This location is significant as it partners with the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, which prepares students for careers in maritime fields. Notably, over 50 graduates from this school currently work at NYC Ferry as captains and deckhands.
