A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
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Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation Awards Grant to Patriots Point Institute of History and Science

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Funding to allow 750 Georgetown County fifth graders to participate in education programs

Thanks to a generous grant from the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, 750 fifth graders from Title I schools in Georgetown County will have the opportunity to come aboard the USS YORKTOWN to participate in educational programs offered by the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science.

“Part of our mission at Patriots Point is to provide South Carolina students with a foundation in education in a way that is exciting and meaningful,” said Mac Burdette, Patriots Point Executive Director. “Whether they’re learning about our nation’s heroes in the Medal of Honor Museum, conducting a hands-on marine science experiment in our state-of-the-art classroom or exploring the YORKTOWN’s surrounding estuarine environments, students are excited to learn from the moment they arrive.”

More than 10,000 students participated in Patriots Point’s 5th grade History and Science program last year. The program, which features standards-based instruction that covers history, science, math and literacy components, was developed as a supplement to 75% of the 5th grade curriculum.  Instruction features six stations as well as a pre-arrival program and post-program comprehension assessment test. The Patriots Point Development Authority Business Plan projects that 20,000 students will attend Institute programs by 2014.

“We are grateful for the support of Senator Ray Cleary and generosity of the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation,” Burdette added.  “Thanks to their involvement, 750 students from Georgetown County will be able to explore Patriots Point and participate in our educational programs.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for fifth graders to experience living history both visibly and verbally,” said Sarah Elliott, Georgetown County Board of Education member.  “The Yorktown programs are aligned to specific state standards for history and science that will allow students to experience hands on real life activities giving relevance to off-campus educational opportunities.”