Engagement Starts with Education
MPA continues to champion environmental education and maritime workforce development through impactful programs that inspire future stewards and industry leaders. With immersive youth initiatives, dynamic summer internships, and public tours, MPA is creating access to hands-on learning that focuses on historically underrepresented communities. These efforts reflect MPA’s commitment to equitable access, environmental literacy, economic opportunity, and building a more inclusive and resilient workforce in Maryland.
In a single year, MPA brought programs to 540 Maryland classrooms
MPA educational programs have produced more than 21,000 interactions
32% of all classrooms served by MPA programs are Title I school classrooms
Award-Winning On-site Facilities
The near-net zero environmental education center at Masonville Cove is a hub for educational programs for area schools and community members. The transformative recreational and educational opportunities at Masonville Cove empower the next generation of environmental and community stewards.
Bringing the Outdoors Into the Classroom
The TERP (Terrapin Education Research Partnership) program is a robust partnership between school systems, the Port of Baltimore, universities, and non-profit groups that creates opportunities for students to learn about and nurture native wildlife. This program benefits the terrapin population and students alike as baby terrapins are brought into the classrooms across the state of Maryland to be cared for and eventually released back into the wild. Poplar Island supports a thriving population of Diamondback Terrapins, with over 22,000 hatchlings born on site.
Investing in Access to Educational Programming
Our digital educational portal offers teachers, students, and homeschool educators rich educational opportunities. The free assets available through the E3 portal include classroom programs, field trips and site tours, e-lessons, professional development workshops, access to community presentations, and more.
Transformational Internship Programs
MPA and partners host the Masonville Cove Links WildSTEM Summer Internship, recruiting students from historically black colleges and universities. Interns explore conservation careers through hands-on experiences and develop soft skills such as networking and public speaking. For multiple years, this program has received recognition for its impact, earning citations from the Governor and Howard County.
Adult Education is a Priority
MPA also prioritizes educational opportunities for adult community members. Community presentations on topics related to dredging, the process of environmental restoration, and the positive impacts of restoration on Maryland’s native wildlife are all a part of the MPA’s adult education outreach offerings.
On-site adult programs include our popular birding programs and trail signage at restoration sites like Poplar Island and Masonville Cove.
