The maritime education landscape achieved a significant milestone last month as PROJECT CONNECT commemorated its 10th anniversary with a distinguished gathering at the Yacht Club of Greece. The celebration underscored a decade of transformative work connecting students with the shipping industry through innovative educational programs.
Key personalities from government, shipping, and education, gathered together at the Yacht Club of Greece to celebrate a decade of purpose and to honor a movement for youth empowerment and brain gain. The anniversary event highlighted the organization’s evolution from a youth employment initiative to a comprehensive maritime education movement spanning multiple countries.
Building Bridges Between Classroom and Ship
Founded in 2015, PROJECT CONNECT emerged from a clear vision: sustaining Greece’s maritime heritage while preparing the next generation for careers in the shipping industry. The organization’s flagship program, “Adopt a Ship,” has revolutionized how elementary and secondary students engage with maritime education.
Members of Project Connect and guests were welcomed with a multimedia display showcasing PROJECT CONNECT’s journey from youth employment placements, skills training to international expansion and partnering with 800 primary and secondary schools engaged with 418 captains of vessels at sea.
The program’s success stems from its direct approach to experiential learning. Students correspond with ship captains throughout the academic year, gaining firsthand insights into maritime operations, global trade, and life at sea. This connection extends beyond academic learning, fostering empathy and understanding between young learners and maritime professionals.
Expanding Maritime Awareness in Schools
Plato Academy Schools have embraced this maritime education initiative, becoming integral participants in the program’s international expansion. The Adopt a Ship Program was first initiated by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber in 2006 to bring together the Cypriot Elementary Schools and Seafarers on board CSC Members ships in order to provide a real-world learning experience for elementary school children.
Six of our campuses have established connections with vessels and their crews:
Plato Academy Palm Harbor partners with the vessel Stellar Trader of Load Line Marine S.A., while Plato Academy St. Petersburg connects with the RELIABILITY of SEA PIONEER SHIPPING CORPORATION. Each campus maintains connections with specific vessels, creating ongoing educational partnerships that enrich the learning experience throughout the academic year.
The program’s educational framework addresses multiple learning objectives simultaneously. The educational Objectives of this program: Increase children understanding of the world through real ship contact. Develop children’s research, communication and teamwork skills. Work collaboratively and collect data relevant to shipping and life at sea.
Recognition and Government Support
The anniversary celebration drew support from high-ranking officials, including Dr. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, who represented the Greek Prime Minister. He congratulated Ms Notias on her passion and achievement and affirmed his interest to cooperate in the near future regarding youth orientation towards maritime vocations at sea and shore. Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis and his wife Dr. Donna Raptakis were also present. Senator Raptakis underscored the importance of the program for future generations.
The program has achieved remarkable reach, with the “Adopt a Ship” educational program was presented, which has been implemented with great success in schools throughout Greece and has recently been expanded to America. This expansion represents a significant milestone in international maritime education collaboration.
Measurable Impact on Student Engagement
Educational consultant Dr. Adamantia Spanaka presented compelling data about the program’s effectiveness. Pointing out that half of the students surveyed displayed interest in the industry due to their ‘all-school-year-long’ activities and communications.
The program operates through a structured framework that ensures meaningful educational outcomes. The shipping company provides the name and contact details of the officer onboard. Usually this is the Master or the Chief Officer or the Second Officer who will follow up the communication with the class. This direct communication creates authentic learning experiences that traditional textbook education cannot replicate.
Looking Forward
The 10th anniversary celebration reinforced PROJECT CONNECT’s commitment to sustainable maritime education. The organization’s multifaceted approach includes professional development seminars, digital recruitment platforms, and virtual tours of modern shipping company operations. These initiatives collectively address the maritime industry’s evolving workforce needs while maintaining the human connection that defines the Adopt a Ship program.
The collaboration between educational institutions like Plato Academy Schools and maritime organizations exemplifies how international partnerships can effectively bridge academic learning with professional practice. As the shipping industry continues to evolve, programs like PROJECT CONNECT ensure that the next generation possesses both technical knowledge and cultural understanding necessary for maritime careers.
Through sustained partnerships with shipping companies, educational institutions, and government agencies, PROJECT CONNECT has established a replicable model for maritime education that extends far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. The program’s success in connecting 800 schools with 418 ship captains demonstrates the scalability of this educational approach and its potential for continued global expansion.
Plato Academy Schools proudly participates in the PROJECT CONNECT Adopt a Ship program.