Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Newburyport U Project
The Newburyport U project is a volunteer effort to increase education and research related activities in the greater Newburyport area with a focus on environmental sciences.

Our short term goals include:
  • Attracting teachers, professors, researchers and their students to Newburyport to conduct field studies
  • Identifying and documenting the education and research related activities currently taking place in the greater Newburyport area
  • Aiding local education and tourist-oriented businesses
  • Linking professionals and encouraging collaboration
  • Attracting the attention of local, state and federal government officials as well as private investors
Our long term goals include:
  • The establishment of either a non-profit or private institution of environmental studies in Newburyport
  • The branding of Newburyport as a North Shore hub of environmental studies
  • Attracting more enviro-scientific, marine, eco-tourism, arts, and other forward-thinking businesses to our community
What have we done so far?
With a grant from the City of Newburyport's Emerging Futures Fund we have hired an Ambassador of Education to begin vetting a proof of concept for achieving one of our short term goals to attract teachers, professors, researchers and their students to Newburyport to conduct field studies. Christin Walth has been networking throughout the region, identifying competitors, collaborators, and potential customers. She has also vetted a proof of concept for establishing a small, private eco-education tour company. In collaboration with Strand Marketing of Newburyport a survey is being conducted of hundreds of education professionals. Our website and the establishment of the Green Science social networking group are also some of our early achievements.

How can you help?
If you or someone you know has an interest in education and its relationship to building a stronger community, start by simply joining the Green Science Collaborative social network. Next, if you or someone you know is conducting research or studies in the area, please provide us some details about the work, the findings, and who is involved. Or, if you are interested in doing research or holding a class, please contact us so that we might provide resources for getting it started and sharing it with the group. Finally, with funding running out on our small grant, our Ambassador position will soon be terminated. We are seeking funding and grant writing professionals to keep the momentum going.

Current voids needing to be filled:
  • Top caliber education professionals with links to colleges and universities
  • Grant research and writing assistance
  • Funding resources
  
In summary
It's our mission to sensitively explore and document all this region has to offer in scientific discovery with the goal that this will lead to education and business roots being established for the future of our community and our environment at large. It's a lofty goal, but when one considers the collective ecosystem of the Merrimack River, the Parker River, the Great Marsh, Ipswich Bay, and Gulf of Maine that is our back yard, the opportunity is easy to comprehend. Not to mention an entrepreneurial spirit that has been a part of the fabric of this community for centuries.

In addition to subject matter such as marine biology, geology, sustainable energy, birds and wildlife, marine life, oceanography, weather and climate change, etc. we see opportunities for history, arts and urban development education to take shape here. But it starts with you. We hope you'll join us.

Contact Information
The Newburyport U Project
10 Railroad St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

978-463-0780
info@newburyportu.com
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