Barnstable High School will soon be getting a million-dollar state-of-the-art classroom for its Environmental Science and Technology Career Pathway program, thanks in part to $350,000 in state grants.

The Baker-Polito administration announced the funding in late August 2019 from the state’s Mass Skills Grant program, which is awarded to organizations that support career and technical education. Barnstable received $250,000 this summer and $100,000 earlier this year. 

“I am delighted that we are receiving funding from the Baker administration supporting the needs of our students, as well as the needs of our community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Meg Mayo-Brown. “Barnstable High School students will have the opportunity to engage in a rigorous academic pathway, and have an advantage in college and career options.”

Barnstable Town Council had previously approved $1 million for the new Marine Environmental Lab, which will be created by merging two existing classrooms at the high school. The new lab will include a science classroom on one side and 3,500 gallons of freshwater and saltwater tanks on the other. Because the lab will hold so much water, the bump-out classroom requires its own drains and HVAC system. There will also be a new, free-standing greenhouse, and the students will have access to ponds located on and near school grounds.

Construction plans are well underway, so students will be able to watch the progress in the spring as their classroom takes shape. It is expected to be finished in the summer of 2020 – just in time for the next school year. 

"Students in the Environmental Science and Technology (ES&T) program will study water quality, which is an issue of critical importance on Cape Cod," commented Jennifer Caron, Science Curriculum Coordinator. The goal is to expose the students to as many water-related issues as possible so they can understand the importance of water quality.

Whether students want to be environmental engineers or oyster farmers, Caron noted that the district wants them to have a very good understanding that everything they do in the water has an impact on humans and the whole ecosystem.

The community has embraced the program, with partners coming from many business sectors including municipalities, local chambers, STEM education organizations, and others related to environmental protection and water quality. Current program partners include:  

• Aquaculture Research Corporation
• Barnstable Clean Water Coalition
• Barnstable Department of Public Works
• Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
• Cape Cod Commission
• Cape Cod Community College
• Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
• Cape Cod Regional STEM Network
• Cape & Islands Workforce Development Board
• Department of Environmental Protection—Southeast Regional Office
• Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School
• Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
• Town of Barnstable

The ES&T program is one of Barnstable High School’s Career Pathway options – courses that prepare students for high-demand careers by providing hands-on training in their selected fields of study. Other Career Pathway choices at Barnstable High School include Engineering, Law, Society & Criminal Justice, Creative Economies, Health Care, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, and Early Education & Care.

Contact Jennifer Caron, Science Curriculum Coordinator: 508-790-6445 x1031 for more information about the Environmental Science and Technology Career Pathway, or to become a program partner.