NC Coastal Federation receives grant support from The Endowment

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — The Endowment has gifted a grant to the North Carolina Coastal Federation for its Creating Coastal Stewards program. 

The program offers hands-on coastal education experiences for students across New Hanover County through field experiences, classroom activities, habitat stewardship, career exploration and partnerships with local organizations.

Program partners include DREAMS Center for Arts Education, Communities in Schools of Cape Fear, Children’s Museum of Wilmington, Young Scientist Academy, Fort Fisher Aquarium, Voyage of Wilmington, D.C Virgo Preparatory Academy, Kids Making It and 100 Black Men.

“This funding expands our capacity to provide hands-on environmental education, field experiences, habitat stewardship, and career exploration to even more youth throughout New Hanover County, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to these experiences,” coastal education coordinator Bonnie Mitchell said. “We are incredibly thankful for the Endowment’s investment in the next generation of coastal stewards.” 

The Coastal Federation is also able to offer an internship to a Cape Fear Community College student due to the new grant. Already, one student has been added to the team: Dustin Lamb, a student in CFCC’s marine technology program. Students like Lamb are able to help the organization’s education programs, assist with field activities, prepare materials and supplies and participate in hands-on coastal stewardship projects throughout the region. Interns will also have opportunities to participate in and learn about efforts to improve the health and resilience of North Carolina’s coast, like debris cleanup, reducing stormwater runoff and restoring coastal habitats. The financial support will also help expand programs at the Stanback Education Center in Wrightsville Beach.

“This grant is part of The Endowment’s broader youth development portfolio to keep young people safe, connected, and engaged during the summer months while expanding access to meaningful opportunities,” The Endowment social and health equity and community development director Mary Vail Ware said. “We are pleased to support the North Carolina Coastal Federation in their work with New Hanover County youth this summer.” 

To learn more about the Coastal Federation’s educational programs, visit the website here.