Marine students benefit from partnership with BREEF

Students in the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) program at the Island School enjoy their time learning on the water.

Nassau, Bahamas -- Students are benefitting from a partnership between The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and the Marine Science Magnet Program at C.V. Bethel High School on East Street South.

“BREEF has partnered with the C.V. Bethel Magnet Marine Science Program since it began,” said Marcia Musgrove, BREEF School Outreach Coordinator and a teacher at C.V. Bethel. There are many opportunities for students because they get to interact with scientists coming into the country, she explained.

The program gives students basic skills in science related industries; for example, graduates who were scuba-certified find employment as scuba divers. “They engage in entry-level and summer employment at Atlantis, the Fisheries Department, BREEF, and Dolphin Encounters,” Ms Musgrove said.

The Marine Science graduates acquire an advantage in getting into the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) program at the Island School, founded in 1999 and located in Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas.

“Seven students went to the BESS program and the Island school, but most move on to college,” she said.

“I am well acquainted with BREEF, the Island School, BESS and am promoting them for C.V. Bethel students and all students throughout The Bahamas.”

The Ministry of Education started the pilot marine science program in 1999, and in 2004 discussions were finalized to make it a magnet program the following year.

“Since the magnet program started in 2005, any student in grade nine from any school can apply to the Ministry of Education. They select a group of students to come to C.V. Bethel to complete the three-year program for grades 10, 11, and 12,” Ms Musgrove said. “Before that, only students graduating from S.C. McPherson into C.V. Bethel would have gotten a chance to study marine science.

She said, “About 10 students are at COB pursuing biochemistry or environmental studies, and a few are studying marine science and go into the maritime and boating industry.” BREEF networks and stay in contact with many international individuals and organizations that want to work with Bahamian students.

These foreigners are conducting scientific research and assisting researchers, so they can take advantage of these opportunities.