MVOA has received significant support for our campaign to build Shenandoah II, a necessary step to preserve and grow MV Ocean Academy's youth mental health promotion services. The support totals $3,250,000, including $800,000 from the Edwards Harris Family Foundation, a $500,000 pledge from MVYouth, $370,000 from the Couch Family Foundation, $300,000 from the Sibbri Foundation, a $250,000 grant from the MV Bank Charitable Foundation, a $250,000 pledge from the McDonald Family, $250,000 from an anonymous donor, and other inspiring gifts. MVYouth's 2025 $500,000 pledge will be released once Ocean Academy has raised another $2,000,000.

Update: Casey Blum, LICSW, published her first article about her research on student outcomes aboard Shenandoah in the Journal of Experiential Education. This is a significant milestone in this multi-year study. The data informs improvements to our curriculum and can help outdoor programs worldwide by demonstrating how positive youth development can be implemented into the curriculum. Here is a link to the article's abstract. Casey also passed her social work exam and is now an independently licensed therapist in Massachusetts, an essential step toward our goal to address the youth mental health crisis on Martha's Vineyard. We are extremely grateful to our amazing community for supporting our efforts to develop resilience in youth so they are prepared to face life's challenges.