WaterWORKS is a hands-on career showcase connecting high school students to Blue Economy and STEM career opportunities in our region.

At WaterWORKS, college-bound, certificate-bound, and workforce-bound high school students experienced first-hand the many Blue Economy jobs and career paths available to them through demonstrations, exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on activities.

When:  Tuesday, March 14, 2023 (Snow date TBD)

Time: 9:30am-1:00pm, Lunch provided

Where: Cape Cod Community College Campus, West Barnstable

Who: High School students in Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Southeastern Plymouth Counties interface with over 50 regional businesses and organizations.

Purpose: To invest in our future workforce by connecting high school students in the region with the water-reliant economy that surrounds them.

Sponsors, Learn More Here.

Exhibitors, Click Here to Register.

Students will be invited through their schools.

For more information contact:
Katy Acheson
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
katy@capecodchamber.org
508-744-5564

October 26, 2022 – WaterWORKS 2023 invites high school students from Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Southern Plymouth County to a half-day program on the Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable Campus, to learn more about the region’s blue economy and what types of career opportunities it presents.  The program will include all blue economic sectors that wish to participate, including traditional marine trades, marine science and technology, commercial fishing and aquaculture, and water-based recreation.

The event begins with a brief assembly which introduces students to the blue economy that surrounds them, what it is and how it is a part of their daily lives. Expedition Leaders (college students) will then lead pre-assigned groups of students through a series of “islands”, each one focused on a specific sector of the blue economy.  These islands will expose students to the industry and its opportunities by allowing students to view and in some cases participate interactively. Industry representatives (trade organizations and businesses) from each sector will have booths to exhibit their field and talk with students.

The new Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science Center Building at the Cape Cod Community College will be one of the destinations for this blue economy tour.

The day will conclude with the students gathering for lunch and a wrap-up before heading back to school.

WaterWORKS connects high school students in the region to the water-reliant economy that surrounds them through:

1. Socializing the blue economy – Bring awareness to the region’s high school students of the connection between our economy and environment, how the two are inextricably linked together
2. Dispelling the myth that there are no good jobs or careers on Cape Cod – using the blue economy as a platform
3. Exposing students to the many sectors of the blue economy and the types of careers they offer for college-bound, certificate-bound, and workforce direct students
4. Connecting students one-on-one with industry representatives, business owners and organizations, while also making businesses aware of school programs (co-ops, internships, etc.) that exist

 Registration is Open

Registration is currently open for schools, blue economy exhibitors and sponsors at https://www.expeditionblue.org/waterworks-2023

Background

The Cape Cod region is driven by the water that surrounds us, steeped in maritime tradition and dedicated to innovation. We are a modern water-based economy that connects people to their environment, inspires learning, and exports our knowledge to the world.  The Blue Economy is the fulcrum that balances our economic and environmental health, creates a new regional identity focused on pride in our water and coastal resources, and supports a more balanced and sustainable year-around economy for our residents.

Businesses and organizations that are directly dependent, rely upon, or are in the region because of its water resources make up the “blue economy” and constitute a significant economic driver for the region. From 2003 to 2014, the number of blue establishments increased 42%, employees increased 50%, and annual payroll increased by 111% (from $574M to $1.21B).  Growth in this sector is predicted to continue into the next decade.

Event Details

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Approx. 9AM – 1:30PM
Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable campus

WaterWORKS 2023 is organized by Expedition Blue—the blue economy initiative of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Community College and the Cape Cod Regional STEM Network.

Over 350 students engaged with 50+ employers and exhibitors in a half-day program at the Cape Cod Community College on January 8, 2019.

Cape Cod Times Story & Photo Gallery

Industry Sectors Included:

WCAI News Roundup Segment – January 11th, 2019