2023: UMass Dartmouth students participate in reciprocal exchange with U.K. charity

Students explore careers in the offshore wind industry in both continents

Thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from Vineyard Offshore, UMass Dartmouth is collaborating with the U.K.’s Onside Youth Zone Network, and surrounding SouthCoast schools to open doors for students who seek exposure to diverse world travel experiences.

By partnering with the Onside Youth Zone Network, a national charity based in Grimsby, U.K., UMassD students will gain access to invaluable mentorship, support, and opportunities to elevate their ambitions and overcome potential barriers to success.

“Thanks to the generous support of Vineyard Offshore, high school and college students from both sides of the Atlantic now have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from each other, broaden their personal horizons and perspectives, and to be exposed to many career opportunities offered by the offshore wind industry,” said UMassD Chancellor Mark Fuller. “We look forward to future opportunities to partner with our friends at the Onside Youth Zone Network with the aim of making this an annual tradition.”

UMassD welcomed U.K. students to campus Saturday, July 22 through July 29, and takes off for Grimsby, U.K. tomorrow, August 5 through August 12. The reciprocal exchange provides students from both countries the chance to build lasting connections and fosters an understanding of each other’s society, culture, and academic institutions, broadening participants’ perspectives and encouraging mutual respect for diversity.

“Thanks to the generous support of Vineyard Offshore, high school and college students from both sides of the Atlantic now have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from each other, broaden their personal horizons and perspectives, and to be exposed to many career opportunities offered by the offshore wind industry.”

The Vineyard Offshore Global Exchange Program aims to offer high school and college students a multitude of enriching learning outcomes. Students are presented with unique opportunities to explore careers in the offshore wind industry, both in the U.S. and the U.K. By engaging with industry professionals and academic experts, participants gain valuable insights into potential career paths.

“The UMass Dartmouth Grimsby global exchange program is a nexus between academic, cultural, and higher education experiences and offshore wind career pathways,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Kimberly Scott. “We’re inspiring students to reshape their thoughts about higher education and careers in the offshore wind industry.

“New Bedford has a worldwide reputation as a robust fishing port. This initiative through Vineyard Offshore creates opportunities to merge two unique cultures in an experiential learning process about creating renewable energy for a more sustainable and climate-friendly future.”

For more information, contact the university’s division of student affairs.