ARII's 9-month certificate prepares students for a high-demand career in the growing field of coastal resilience. The program combines a six-month academic cohort, with a three-month, paid internship that provides students with hands-on technical training and real world field experience. The certificate will focus on industry-recognized technical skills along with the professional “soft skills” that employers are looking for. In addition, the internship gives students direct exposure to some of the most sought after companies in the field of coastal engineering, energy and construction.
This week-long program is for students in grades 8-12 who are looking for a unique learning experience, focused on the coastal challenges that are impacting our communities. Students will travel to sites across the region and meet with local and state leaders, along with industry and academic stakeholders who are working to make our coastal communities more resilient. Whether visiting with engineers along the Cape Canal, analyzing water samples on Buzzards Bay with Massachusetts Maritime students and professors, or sitting down with industry leaders at Cashman Dredging, students in the Symposium will gain a better understanding of the challenges the state’s 78 coastal communities face along with researching potential solutions.
The Coastal Academy prepares students for careers as entry-level coastal field technicians, who are ready to work in the field of civil and maritime engineering. Over a 6-month program, divided into two semesters and coupled with a 3-month paid industry internship, students will gain the cutting-edge technical skills, instrumentation, and quality-control measures required to work as coastal field technicians. Each semester incorporates practices of industrial methods to prepare students for work in the thriving blue economy that incorporates so many of our coastal communities. Beyond field and laboratory training, students will be mentored by industry professionals and learn valuable “hard” and “soft” skills that prepare them for entry into the very rewarding field of civil and maritime engineering.
The Coastal Academy provides a nurturing and innovative learning environment where students, in partnership with industry leaders and local universities, work to find solutions for coastal hazard events that have damaged our region for generations. By supporting meaningful workforce development and strategic maritime engineering, the Coastal Academy works regionally to solve the ever-changing global issues impacting the lives and livelihood of those in and around coastal communities.
The Coastal Academy exists to train the next-generation of coastal field technicians by combining immersive hands-on experience with cutting-edge technical instruction. We strive to prepare a highly capable, industry-ready workforce equipped to support infrastructure resilience, environmental monitoring, and coastal adaptation efforts throughout the South Shore and beyond.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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CAREER COMPETENCIES
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INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Small Class Sizes
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Cultivate professional practical skills for employment
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3-Month Paid/Full-TIme
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Age Range 18-24
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Instill critical thinking, communication and work ethic accountability
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Work at prestigious engineering & construction companies
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M-F 8:30am-2:30pm
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Teach written and oral skills for interviewing
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Hands on skills in field/labs
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Laptops provided
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Develop networking skills
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Network with industry partners
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SEMESTER I Maritime Design & Field Technology
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SEMESTER II Maritime Safety & Navigation
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CAD Design
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First Aid/AED/CPR
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3D Modeling
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Emergency Crisis Management
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Weights & Measures
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Maritime Small Boat Handling
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Sensor Technology
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GIS & Regulatory Awareness
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Capstone Project
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Both semesters include soft skill development in the areas of: resume building, written correspondence, interviewing, etiquette, and networking techniques, work ethic, teamwork and work-life balance strategies.
Upon successful completion of this 9-month program, students will be equipped with the technical skills, safety training, and professional certifications necessary to enter the workforce or continue in postsecondary education. These outcomes ensure that students are workforce-ready and positioned for success in a variety of high-demand technical and maritime industries.
Graduates will earn or be eligible for a variety of industry-recognized licensures and credentials, demonstrating their readiness for careers in marine technology, construction, design, and related fields. Credentials may include, but are not limited to:
The Coastal Academy application requires the completion of several steps:
Additional Notes:
All Academy students must be able to legally work in the U.S. and have a valid driver’s license.
While not required for admissions into our program, students may need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if required by their internship host company.
Individuals aged 18-24
Class is Monday through Friday. 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Please visit the online Registration Page via the link below
Academy Director, Jeffrey Granatino (jgranatino@atlanticrii.org)
Lunch time will be provided each day, but students can either bring their own lunch, or travel to a nearby establishment to purchase their lunch
The Coastal Academy will not have a nurse on duty, but if you take prescribed medication, you should bring it with you. You will be responsible for taking your own medication.
No. The Coastal Academy will be providing you with the option to intern at companies who have established agreements with the Academy.
They may be uploaded on your online registration application, but if you would also like to mail in hard copies, you can send them to:
Atlantic Resiliency Coastal Academy
58 Main Street
Marshfield, MA 02050
The tuition is $5,000 for the nine-month program.
While FAFSA forms are not used at the Coastal Academy, when there is a financial hardship noted, we will work with those students on a case by case basis. Additional documentation may be needed in those situations.
Atlantic Resiliency Coastal Academy
58 Main Street
Marshfield, MA 02050
No. All students who need a laptop will be provided with one for the school year. We will also provide manuals and online journals as needed.
The Coastal Academy is a true, school-to-career program. Students will be provided the essential learning tools to gain a strong foundation in civil and maritime engineering. Students will learn the “hard” and “soft” skills needed to succeed in the workplace and the team approach to their Problem Based Learning, will make them ideal candidates for an entry level positions with marine construction/engineering firms.
Students will be assessed through the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model, rather than through traditional summative assessments. Students will be given a variety of projects to complete. If the tasks are completed correctly, the student passes. If not, the instructors will continue work on the task with the student until a level of proficiency is attained.
Please reach out to our Academy Director for more information.
Yes. Students may end up being hired by companies they intern with, but if not, the MCA staff will assist each student with their job search. We are establishing strong relationships with a variety of construction and engineering firms and will proactively reach out to them on behalf of our graduates.
Yes. Students may choose to continue their academic journey at a 2 or 4 year school. Staff at the Coastal Academy will work with those students to assist them in the college application process. The Coastal Academy has already established a working relationship with a variety of regional higher education institutions.
If you have questions about the application process or to schedule a tour of ARII headquarters, please contact Jeff Granatino (jgranatino@atlanticrii.org)
First and foremost – we have a complex coastal hazard problem to solve and communities are desperate for new solutions; when Marshfield went looking for alternatives the Town was told that the solutions being developed were untested in our region and incompatible with our coastline. It’s time we created the testbed and solutions to make our communities resilient–we need to grow the civil engineering talent locally and give them the space to tackle our region’s challenges
Coastal hazards cost the taxpayers of Plymouth County, MA $40m+ of expected annual property losses according to FEMA; developing new engineering solutions is in the best financial interest of the community.
According to Bureau of Labor statistics, Massachusetts employs approximately 3,530 -7,300 civil engineers with an annual mean wage range of $98,690-$119,260. It’s estimated there are ~6,420 civil engineers in Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
In Massachusetts alone, there are 600+ “civil engineering”-related job openings
High-demand skills in civil engineering include:
A Computer-Aided Design (CAD) position in civil engineering involves utilizing CAD software to create detailed designs, plans, and technical drawings for infrastructure projects. CAD professionals in civil engineering contribute to the development of accurate and precise design documentation that serves as a foundation for construction, analysis, and project communication.
Construction safety regulations in civil engineering are a set of rules and standards designed to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, bystanders, and the general public during construction activities. These regulations are established and enforced by government agencies and industry bodies to minimize the risks associated with construction work.
Data analysis in civil engineering involves the examination, interpretation, and manipulation of data to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions related to various aspects of civil engineering projects. This process is essential for optimizing design, construction, and maintenance activities, as well as ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of infrastructure.
Project management in civil engineering involves the planning, organization, and coordination of resources and activities to successfully complete civil engineering projects. Effective project management ensures that projects are completed within the specified time frame, budget, and quality standards while managing risks and meeting stakeholder expectations.
A sustainability job in civil engineering involves integrating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices into the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects. Professionals in sustainability roles within civil engineering work to minimize the environmental impact of projects, enhance social well-being, and promote economic viability.
A Building Information Modeling (BIM) position in civil engineering involves utilizing BIM technology and methodologies to enhance the planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure projects. BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, incorporating information about its geometry, spatial relationships, materials, and more. Professionals in BIM positions within civil engineering play a crucial role in implementing and optimizing BIM processes throughout the project life cycle.
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) position in civil engineering involves leveraging GIS technology to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data for planning, design, and decision-making in civil engineering projects. GIS professionals play a crucial role in integrating geographical and non-geographical data to provide valuable insights for infrastructure development and management.
As a Python Developer in Civil Engineering, you will play a key role in leveraging coding and computational skills to enhance and streamline various aspects of civil engineering projects. Collaborating with engineering teams, you will develop custom software tools, automate repetitive tasks, and implement data analysis solutions to improve project efficiency and outcomes.
A 3D Printing position in civil engineering involves utilizing additive manufacturing technologies to enhance various aspects of construction, infrastructure development, and project delivery. Professionals in 3D printing roles within civil engineering play a key role in exploring and implementing innovative solutions, such as printing building components, creating prototypes, and optimizing construction processes.
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This program was so great for our daughter, she has severe ADHD and she went from resisting going on the first day to being very excited to go each day and explore the places . She made a lifelong friend on day one of the symposium and for us as parents it was amazing to see her accepted and fitting right in and the instructors are hands down the best educators! I highly recommend this for any youth wanting to learn and do more for our surrounding communities.
Regina T. Parent