Community Boat Building

Community Boat Building is a Boston nonprofit founded in 2007 that teaches low-income public school students through boat building and coastal experiences. Each year it works with about 160 fifth and sixth graders, combining hands-on, project-based learning with core subjects including math, geometry, science, social studies and literacy. Students build seaworthy boats while learning about Boston Harbor, its islands, rivers and history, and they develop spatial thinking along the way.

For most participants, the program is their first contact with the waterfront and the first time on or in the water, despite living close to the harbor. Partner schools report gains in teamwork, attendance and engagement; one Young Achievers student who had barely attended school came every day once boat building began. Volunteers form the backbone of the program, and supporters can follow updates on its blog, Extreme Caulking.

What to Know

• The organization is fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England, and donations are tax deductible.
• Its Periwinkle Junior boat was designed by Nat Benjamin of Martha’s Vineyard.
• Finished boats are sometimes offered for sale.
• Summer programming is offered in addition to the school-year program.