Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion to people of all ages. Through hands-on, experiential learning activities aboard a traditionally-rigged tall ship schooner, participants gain the knowledge needed to understand the commitment necessary for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes.
www.schoolship.org

We provide an engaging and informative educational sailing adventure where our participants emerge with a personal connection and sense of stewardship for the Great Lakes. Every year, as many as 5,000 students sail and learn about the Great Lakes aboard ISEA’s science-lab equipped Schoolship Inland Seas and chartered Manitou. The lessons taught during Schoolship programs are aligned with the Michigan curriculum expectations for science and social studies, and go beyond what can be taught in a classroom. Programs offered throughout the summer are geared for individuals of all ages and cover a variety of Great Lakes related topics.

ISEA was established in 1989 to provide aquatic science, environmental awareness, and sail training classes for learners of all ages. Over 130,000 students have already participated in ISEA’s shipboard programs, which are taught by over 120 volunteer instructors and ISEA’s professional staff.
In 2014, ISEA became a member of Discovery Center~Great Lakes located in Traverse City, MI. The nonprofit members of Discovery Center~Great Lakes are creating a place that will awaken a sense of wonder in people of all ages by encouraging understanding and stewardship of Grand Traverse Bay. Discovery Pier, across from the Discovery Center, is the home to ISEA’s schooner Utopia.

After 30 years on the water, we are convinced that the scientists and citizens who will solve the Great Lakes’ problems of the future are sailing aboard Inland Seas’ ships today.