NEW BEDFORD – One of 12 organizations recognized from across the nation, on Thursday the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s high school apprenticeship program was named a 2017 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recipient.
Thirty percent of New Bedford’s population, according to the museum, does not have a high school diploma. The seven-year-old apprenticeship program aids low-income, academically motivated with the college application process and offers campus tours and career shadowing events.
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Homelessness, food insecurity and health issues are also addressed among the apprentices.
In addition, apprentices also learn about whales and whale biology, the history of the American whaling industry, the art and artists that flourished in the region, Frederick Douglass, New Bedford’s connection to the Underground Railroad and the cultural impact of immigration.
Sarah Rose, vice president of education and programs at the museum, said in a statement all of the apprentices have graduated from high school – “an original goal of the program.”
“I know good things are happening for our students, the Museum, and the city” she added.
Alex Binette, a former Whaling Museum Apprentice and current Bristol Community College student, said in prepared remarks: “[The museum] took a chance on me with my less than stellar academic record, but I began my training with the Museum in 2015 and it has changed me forever. When I started the apprenticeship, I was flooded with knowledge and, for once, I was remembering everything. I was thriving amongst my peers and making friends, asking questions, and answering them. I’ve been through a lifetime of public schooling and I had never learned like I did as an apprentice.”
An annual award presented jointly by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the youth program award honors organizations which “enrich the lives of young people by teaching new skills, nurturing creativity, and building self-confidence,” according to the release.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
