Foundation for Underway Experiential Learning

The FUEL program was created by Ian Ridgeway and Casey Blum with 30 years collective experience educating young people aboard sailing ships. Before completing a dual master's degree in outdoor education and social work at the University of New Hampshire Casey was the first female captain of the sailing ship Alabama. Ian learned to sail under Captai... n Bob Douglas on Shenandoah and Alabama and went on to captain these sailing ships for over 8 years training two captains, 7 first mates, and countless crew. Our advisory board is made up of world renowned experts in the fields that contribute to this unique program including experiential learning, outdoor education, study abroad, deep sea voyaging, conventional sailing, ship design, and fundraising. Our team has come together for this project because we've witnessed, countless times, the positive and profound transformation that happens to people onboard a big sailing ship, and we want to share that with you. Onboard our sailing ship learners will engage in the same tasks that the professional crew and officers do and gain the same confidence. They will see more of the world in 3.5 months than most people see in their entire lives, they will earn a full semester of college credits as well as maritime certifications and licensing, they will build a bedrock of practical skills that will help them the rest of their lives. People learn best when they are outside of their comfort zones and being challenged. If you are only tested on paper than your potential will be limited to classrooms and test scores. Once you have a transformative experience your years of education will start to work for you. People that know their potential become entrepreneurs, officers, and leaders, these are the people that change the world. Invest in FUEL's development and help launch the next generation of active leaders.Read More