The Perry Corps Program takes High School students and prepares them to be members of the 21st century workforce. Participants experience after school, single day, and overnight programming on Rhode Island’s Flagship, the Sailing School Vessel (SSV) OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. The program takes place while dockside, underway, and at satellite sites including the United States Maritime Resource Center’s (USMRC) facilities in Middletown, RI. Perry Corps training consists of a mix of standards-based, industry curriculum, industry exposure, and hands on skills application. These US Coast Guard approved courses include Basic Training, Fast Rescue Boat Training, Leadership and Teamwork Skills, Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, and Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch while completing several Standards of Training Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) competencies. Throughout their time aboard, participants learn the operations of the SSV OLIVER HAZARD PERRY and utilize their new skills and knowledge to complete work onboard. Incorporated into their experience, trainees serve as stewards for OHPRI’s broad community by sharing their experience and knowledge about the ship and the organization.

Providing 8th and 9th grade students a unique experiential learning opportunity at a pivotal time in their educational journey. Taking place underway on the waters of the Ocean State, participants engage with learning
through sense of place as they study navigation, explore Rhode Island’s complex historical narrative and BIPOC maritime history, and investigate the natural and human influenced features of Narragansett Bay. Rotating through a selection of interconnected learning stations that highlight concepts in STEAM education embodied in sailing and operating the ship, students come away from the experience with a newfound understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a civically engaged and ocean literate 21c citizen, and aware of career opportunities in the maritime industry and marine trades. The curriculum for the program is a collaborative project incorporating input from the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, URI Department of Marine Affairs, and other OHPRI partners.

If you are looking for a unique and exciting experience for your group, consider a custom designed program aboard the SSV OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. Programs can be as short as an afternoon or as long as several weeks. Our experienced program and operations staff know how to create experiences that are profound and memories that will last a lifetime. Voyages can include both underway training and port visits, encompassing a rich variety of subjects including leadership and team building, social sciences, STEAM topics, all amid an exciting sail training experience. OHPRI has designed customized programs for a number of prestigious institutions including Salve Regina University, USN Naval Academy Prep School, US Naval Sea Cadets, Great Books Program, and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Bring the magic and splendor or Rhode Island’s Flagship the SSV OLIVER HAZARD PERRY to your event . With a range of experiences beyond just deck tours, from large scale receptions to intimate dinners in the Great Cabin, attendees will come away with memories that last a lifetime. The SSV OLIVER HAZARD PERRY regularly travels between New York and Maine in a given summer, however we are happy to consider ports outside of that geographic range. Please reach out at
info@ohpri.org to discuss bringing the ship to a port near you.

Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, offers a 20-day training program that looks to increase ocean literacy, provide basic marine manufacturing experience, and help students find career
opportunities in both afloat and ashore career tracks. Hands-on training will include marine systems, basic maritime electrical, diesel/gasoline engines, plumbing, hydraulics, carpentry, OSHA
maritime, and rigging. Participants will also receive STCW Basic Training. Graduates that complete this program can expect to begin
careers as Merchant Mariners, Boat Builders, Production Workers,
Industrial Painters, Marine Techs, Marine Electronics Installers, Shrink Wrappers, Wind Maintenance Techs and more. Professional
development and employer career fair will help ensure graduates success in this career focused training program.

BirthRiteRI is the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society’s (RIBHS) educational outreach program for high school juniors and seniors. Over two years, participants are guided through a rich and immersive exploration of career possibilities, ‘adulting’ skills, and African Heritage and Indigenous history. This initiative serves as an integral part of RIBHS’ comprehensive plan to empower students of color through a range of transformative and fun experiences.

The BirthRiteRI approach is to help students understand how the landscape, institutions, and folkways of African Heritage and Indigenous peoples were and are present in Rhode Island. Equally important is to learn how to apply their newfound knowledge and experience to the skills, resources, and acumen needed to survive in the contemporary world. A carefully selected group of community-based partners will provide a glimpse into their specific communities through a service provider lens. This program is free of charge to all participants.

For more information, please contact Danielle Lee, RIBHS Youth Program Coordinator, at danielle.lee@riblackheritage.org