In addition to people like you, we rely on a generous group of government, corporate and foundation partners to make our programs possible for the schools and students who need it most. Leading the way among our corporate partners are our friends at Marathon Petroleum – and we are so grateful!
Throughout the year, Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles Refinery team provides support that allows schools and youth groups in the communities of Wilmington, Carson and West Long Beach to take part in our TopSail Youth Program, proving that STEM is vital as are the skills we help these youth develop. They also provide support for youth in these communities to enjoy a summer to remember through our sleep-at-sea Summer Camp options. Plus, as you’ve no doubt seen, they sponsor our Explore the Coast/Explora the Costa Bilingual, Educational and Exploration Sail – making it possible for us to provide this STEM-focused program to the community – and they’ve sponsored our annual Festival of Sail for many years.
We were honored to be featured in their Community Newsletter this past summer, alongside our partners at EXP and the YMCA. Click here to read the article, “Sea Worthy.” We also love returning the favor by hosting a sail with their interns each summer through their Marathon Summer Youth Program. That experience is just as impactful as the educational programs they make possible, as evidenced by one of many anecdotes these youth shared last year:
“The Saturday we spent on the boat sailing with the team from LAMI was one of my favorite experiences by far. I’ve never gone sailing prior to that day, only on a boat. Not only did they teach us some of the basic core skills of sailing but also helped us get off our phones. It was more than just a view but a hands-on experience. My group was able to practice sailing the boat, climbing the ropes, with harnesses for safety, and bringing up the sails. When I got on the boat, I did not plan on putting on a harness for the climbing activities or the net [bowsprit]. Little did I know I would get out on the net, and I very much enjoyed it. Under the sun it was hot, but in the net, it was very refreshing. We also got a tour of the cabin. We took a lunch break allowing us to get the full experience on how the team spends their days when sailing. I do wish I took the opportunity to climb the beam [rigging], but even the net was just as fun of an experience.”
“The Saturday we spent on the boat sailing with the team from LAMI was one of my favorite experiences by far. I’ve never gone sailing prior to that day, only on a boat. Not only did they teach us some of the basic core skills of sailing but also helped us get off our phones. It was more than just a view but a hands-on experience. My group was able to practice sailing the boat, climbing the ropes, with harnesses for safety, and bringing up the sails. When I got on the boat, I did not plan on putting on a harness for the climbing activities or the net [bowsprit]. Little did I know I would get out on the net, and I very much enjoyed it. Under the sun it was hot, but in the net, it was very refreshing. We also got a tour of the cabin. We took a lunch break allowing us to get the full experience on how the team spends their days when sailing. I do wish I took the opportunity to climb the beam [rigging], but even the net was just as fun of an experience.”