Students engaged in a maritime STEM education lesson in a Florida classroom
Accredited K–12 Education

Schools & Programs

Free, fully accredited maritime and ocean education programs for Florida schools — aligned to STEM, ELA, and Geography state standards.

From Classroom to Career

The Only Complete Maritime Career Pathway in Florida

All programs are free, fully accredited through Young Minds Inspired (YMI), and explicitly aligned to Florida B.E.S.T. standards. They are designed as turnkey supplemental teaching modules — not full semester courses — so they integrate easily into existing CTE, Science, ELA, or Geography classes without displacing current curriculum.

K–12 Education

Ocean Rangers & Steering Toward Success — FDOE-approved curriculum introducing maritime concepts.

Training & Certification

Apprenticeships, professional crew training, STCW certification, and ABYC credentials.

Career Placement

Direct placement with 30+ partner companies across shipyards, brokerages, services, and marinas.

Career Growth

Ongoing professional development with nurturing support and advancement opportunities.

$230B
Florida maritime economic impact
250,000
Workers needed statewide
17,000+
Educators reached by CSC programs
98%
Educator satisfaction rating

Accreditation & Standards Alignment

All programs are developed by Young Minds Inspired (YMI) and aligned to Florida B.E.S.T. standards. Each Curricular Standards PDF (linked per program below) includes a separate breakdown for High School (Grades 9–12) and Middle School (Grades 6–8), with explicit alignment to:

  • ELA B.E.S.T. standards for Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 individually
  • Grades 9–12 Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
  • Grades 9–12 Social Studies / Geography
  • Grades 9–12 Special Skills: Self-Determination & Self-Management

Each teaching kit contains a teacher's guide plus 4 multi-part, reproducible student activity sheets.

Access All Programs on YMI →
YMI Accredited Programs

Steering Toward Success — Grades 6–12 Programs

All programs below are available from one central collection page at ymiclassroom.com. Each is a complete supplemental module — classroom-ready with teacher's guide, student activity sheets, posters, and career handouts in English and Spanish.

All programs accessible from one place:

YMI Marine Careers Collection →
NEWEST · FLAGSHIP

Steering Toward Success: Beyond the Docks

Career Preparedness STEM Geography ELA Grades 6–12

Our newest and flagship curriculum — a turnkey supplemental module connecting students' interests (technology, machinery, numbers, problem-solving, hospitality, teamwork, communication) to maritime career pathways on the water and on shore. Integrates seamlessly into CTE, Science, ELA, or Geography classes.

🔗 Program Page on YMI →
Teaching Kit — Jobs Beyond the Docks (PDF) Curricular Standards — B.E.S.T. Aligned (PDF) Classroom Poster (PDF) Career Handout — English (PDF) Career Handout — Spanish (PDF)

Working to Protect Our Oceans

Environmental Science STEM Geography Grades 6–12

A career-focused module exploring environmental protection careers in the maritime and ocean science fields. Students explore real career pathways in ocean conservation, research, and marine environmental services.

🔗 Program Page on YMI →
Teaching Kit — Careers in Protecting Oceans (PDF) Curricular Standards — B.E.S.T. Aligned (PDF) Classroom Poster (PDF) Career Handout — English (PDF) Career Handout — Spanish (PDF)

Exploring Marine Jobs Ashore

Career Preparedness STEM ELA Grades 6–12

A land-based maritime careers module that shows students the breadth of opportunities supporting the marine industry from shore — including marine engineering, management, logistics, sales, and service roles.

🔗 Program Page on YMI →
Teaching Kit — Land-Based Marine Careers (PDF) Curricular Standards — B.E.S.T. Aligned (PDF) Career Handout — English (PDF) Career Handout — Spanish (PDF)

Adventures & Learning in Marine Careers (Original Series)

Career Preparedness STEM Geography ELA Grades 6–12

The original Steering Toward Success series, introducing students to the world of professional yachting and maritime careers. A strong foundational module that pairs with the newer programs.

🔗 Program Page on YMI →
Poster Guide Teaching Kit — Yachting Careers (PDF) Supplemental Teaching Kit — Yachting Careers (PDF) Curricular Standards — B.E.S.T. Aligned (PDF) Classroom Poster (PDF) Career Handout — English (PDF) Career Handout — Spanish (PDF)
Elementary Program

Ocean Rangers — Grades 1–6

Ocean Rangers: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead! — YMI teaching kit for elementary students exploring Florida waterways and marine ecosystems
Ocean Rangers teaching kit for grades 1-3 Ocean Rangers classroom poster
Grades 1–3 & 4–6 · Elementary

Ocean Rangers: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead!

ELA · S.T.E.A.M.

Students explore Florida's waterways, marine ecosystems, and ocean stewardship while discovering ocean-focused careers through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

Designed for two grade bands (1–3 and 4–6), Ocean Rangers builds foundational awareness of the ocean as a workplace and inspires curiosity about marine science and environmental stewardship.

Program Highlights

  • Age-appropriate activities for two grade bands
  • Ocean literacy and environmental stewardship focus
  • Career discovery through engaging S.T.E.A.M. activities
  • Florida waterways and marine ecosystem exploration
  • Classroom-ready resources and teaching guides
Access Curriculum on YMI
Digital Engagement

Interactive Learning Tools

Extend classroom learning with these engaging digital tools — developed by YMI to complement the curriculum.

Interactive Digital Magazine

Featuring Captain Sandy Yawn — an immersive digital experience exploring maritime careers, the blue economy, and real pathways to maritime professions.

Open Digital Magazine →

All Hands on Deck Career Quiz

An interactive career matching quiz that helps students discover which maritime career aligns with their interests, strengths, and goals.

Take the Career Quiz →
Flagship Digital Series

Beyond the Docks

An FDOE-compliant video series featuring 6 STEM pillars and real-world maritime career profiles. Now streaming on YouTube.

How Beyond the Docks connects students to real maritime careers through digital media, classroom curriculum, and industry partnerships
Navigating Success: Lessons from Captain Harley Hunt — Beyond the Docks episode Bob Denison: Building a Brokerage — Beyond the Docks episode
Flagship Digital Series · Now Streaming

Beyond the Docks

Career Awareness & Digital Education Platform

6 Core Thematic Modules covering the breadth of maritime careers — from shipyards and superyachts to marine science and environmental protection.

Series Covers

  • Superyacht Operations
  • Marine Engineering
  • Shipbuilding & Repair
  • Ocean Science & Conservation
  • Marine Services & Technology
  • Industry & Finance
Watch on YouTube → View 6 Core Modules →
Get Started Today

Bring Maritime Education to Your Classroom

All programs are free, accredited, and classroom-ready. Questions about bringing programs to your school or district? Contact us directly.

Questions about bringing our programs to your school or district?

randi@captainsandyscharities.org  ·  (561) 315-6619