Shenandoah,
The Next Generation
Comprehensive Campaign
Through decades of service, the topsail schooner Shenandoah has shaped thousands of young lives, fostering:
Resilience. Happiness. Purpose.
These are the strengths our community wants for our children.
Expand your legacy by supporting
Shenandoah, The Next Generation Campaign.
Your gift…
Empowers Our Youth
Enriches Our Community
Preserves an iconic cultural asset.
Join us in sailing toward a brighter future.
Raised: $3,255,000
Goal: $7,000,000
47%
Ocean Academy has earned support from over 600 families, foundations, and individuals.
Campaign Objectives
1. Strengthen our community by developing resilience in the next generation.
2. Ensure that thousands of youth who benefit from their voyages aboard Shenandoah continue to have that opportunity.
3. Protect Martha’s Vineyard’s tall ship as a unique cultural asset.
Phase One (2022–2024) – 85% Funded
$3.25 MILLION GOAL | New hull, deck, and mechanical systems built at a qualified commercial shipyard.
Phase Two (2024–2026) – 25% Funded
$2 MILLION GOAL | Complete the interior and rigging of Shenandoah’s new hull in our homeport of Vineyard Haven. Community education and engagement will highlight this public phase of fundraising and construction.
Endowment & Expansion (Ongoing)
$1.75 MILLION GOAL | Support program expansion, Association of Experiential Education accreditation, and an endowment.
“Everybody on the boat helped me grow so much. I learned to reign in my anxiety, face my fears, and try new things.”
— Eleni S., 2021–2 Participant
Our Priorities
Preserve
Once rebuilt, Shenandoah will continue to serve youth (ages 8–17) from Martha’s Vineyard and beyond during the summer.
Improve
Upgrades will make the ship safer, more accessible to individuals with physical and mental limitations, and fully compliant with US Coast Guard regulations.
Expand
The new hull will empower us to offer semester-long voyages during the school year, deepening our work with young adults (ages 18 and up).
The Edwards-Harris Family Foundation has committed $500,000 to match gifts of $25,000 or more.
ChallengeComplete!
Name a Stateroom
Click a button below to contribute $250,000 (or more) and name 1 of 12 new staterooms aboard Shenandoah’s new hull.
Stateroom 2 Named
Stateroom 4 Named
Stateroom 5 Named
Stateroom 9 Named
Stateroom 11 Named
Email us to learn about additional naming opportunities aboard the new Shenandoah.
“The experience Spencer had last summer was truly remarkable, he learned so much about himself and the power of a community.”
— Emo C., parent
Contribute to Our Scholarship Fund
Help ensure price is not a barrier to participation in these life-changing experiences.
Sponsor a Class Voyage
Full Tuition for Three Learners
Full Tuition for Two Learners
Full Tuition for One Learner
Sponsor One Learner
*The “full tuition” opportunities represent the actual cost of participation, but the “sponsorship” opportunities represent a portion.
Other Methods for Contributing
Donte Cryptocurrency
Ocean Academy accepts cryptocurrency donations. Our cryptocurrencies are stored and managed through Coinbase.
Transfer Investments
Transfer your investments directly and securely into Ocean Academy's investment account. Call or email us for more details.
Donate Your Boat
To Support Positive Youth Development
Join our Annual Fund
Annual giving that supports scholarships and the highest priorities of Ocean Academy.