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The Explorer: CoastX News
MAY 2026
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
EXPLORATION & INNOVATION
CoastX was founded and launched by entrepreneurs, ocean scientists, engineers, artists, and educators because we knew…
We must inspire the next generation of ocean innovators and entrepreneurs by providing immersive, on-ocean experiential learning programs in ocean science, engineering, art, and entrepreneurship.
CoastX programs spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence to drive change and prepare students for marine studies, successful careers in the blue economy, or whatever path they will forge with an entrepreneurial mindset. We serve middle and high school students in Southern Maine and the Seacoast of NH.
EXECUTIVE TEAM: Susan Johnson, Co-Founder/Executive Director: Ian Grant, Co-Founder/COO; Matt Scheuer, Co-Founder/Director of Science & Technology
Additional BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kim Tosi Hamilton, Ami Everett, Diane Sanzone.
| | CoastX Blue Innovation Student Team Advances to Maine Start-up Challenge | | | | |
After a tremendous winter of hard work in the CoastX Blue Innovation Program, one of the three student teams has advanced to enter the Maine Start-Up Challenge.
Pyrobots founder Camden Marchessault, (10th grade) from Dover, NH, is exploring ways recycling centers could convert ocean plastics into usable oil through innovative technology. A big idea solving a big problem!
The Maine Startup Challenge (MSC), supported by the Maine Venture Fund, is designed to inspire and elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs across the state.
MSC has four entry tiers for students and adult entrepreneurs. The Challenge invites innovators, young and old, to develop and pitch original business ideas that address real-world problems. Participants gain hands-on experience in areas such as customer discovery, value proposition development, and pitching, while receiving mentorship and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
By providing a supportive, real-world platform, the Maine Startup Challenge helps students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking skills, and see entrepreneurship as an accessible and exciting pathway for their future. Matt Scheuer and Joel Nkounkou, coaches/mentors for the CoastX Blue Innovation Program, supported Camden in developing his MSC business plan.
CoastX Co-Founder and Blue Innovation Team Lead, Ian Grant, shared:
“This is the next step for these exceptional student entrepreneurs as they work to tackle some of the ocean’s most pressing challenges—while gaining the opportunity to win some money to advance prototypes and bring their ideas to life.”
| | | Fabulous Find Supporting CoastX in May | | |
CoastX is honored to be selected by Fabulous Find to be one of the local non-profits to receive a portion of the proceeds from all sales in the month of May! We are joined by 3S Artspace and The Chase Home as recipients.
Haven't heard about Fabulous Find? It is the #1 Resale Boutique in the area for high-quality clothing, jewelry, home decor, and so much more.
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CoastX by donating items (It is Spring Cleaning Time!) and shopping for AMAZING quality items at prices you won't believe could be so low.
THANK YOU!
The Fabulous Find has given away over $3.6 million since opening in July 2010.
LOCATION: 139 State Rd., Kittery, ME
| | Donor Steps up to Provide "Opportunity Scholarships" for CoastX Summer Programs | | |
Making CoastX more accessible for families who need moderate tuition support
A local donor LOVES CoastX and asked how they could help families who might be under financial pressure in this economy but don't qualify for the Key Collective or a similar level of financial support.
The donor is willing to fund scholarships for NEW REGISTRATIONS, limited to 10 scholarships awarded based upon accepted application and circumstances, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The CoastX Opportunity Scholarship helps families who may not qualify for traditional need-based assistance but would still benefit from reduced program tuition. Supported by donor funding, this scholarship is designed for families facing real budget pressures such as high household expenses, multiple children in summer programs, or recent financial changes. The process is simple, respectful, and intended to help more students participate in CoastX’s hands-on, ocean-going learning experiences.
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Limited Spaces Still Left
CoastX Summer Programs
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2026 CoastX Summer Programs!
Discovery Week: Underwater Drones (ROVs) & Marine Science is back—now even better. Due to strong demand and outstanding feedback, we are offering two one-week sessions, featuring additional subject matter experts and an enhanced schedule designed to deepen hands-on learning and real-world exploration.
NEW in 2026: Our two-week Ocean Engineering Program. Students will design and build a range of marine technologies, deploy their projects in open water, collect real data, and analyze their findings—an immersive experience in engineering, teamwork, and ocean innovation.
Also returning by popular demand is our Blue Art Program, now with an additional week-long session. Students will explore creativity on the ocean while working with talented artists-in-residence at Wood Island Life Saving Station and the Kittery Community Center—blending marine inspiration with hands-on artistic expression.
We can’t wait to welcome students for another inspiring summer of ocean discovery, engineering, and art!
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"In Our Neighborhood"
Sea Challenge- Tall Ship Adventure
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CoastX appreciates the amazing work done by our neighbor, Sail Portsmouth. Sail Portsmouth partners with high schools and community organizations to provide students with a unique learning opportunity called Sea Challenge, a sail training program.
Students join the crew aboard a tall ship, explore the New England coast, and learn nautical and seamanship skills like basic navigation, points of sail, helmsmanship, knot tying, communication, and ship safety. They do "challenge by choice" such as climbing the rigging, steering the ship, and swimming off the deck. Key outcomes include:
- BUILD CHARACTER by confronting new and real challenges at sea
- EXPERIENCE TEAMWORK and learn to trust crewmates and instructors
- DISCOVER self-reliance and responsibility
- MAKE NEW FRIENDS and develop long-lasting bonds with shipmates and crew
- LEARN ABOUT A CAREER in the booming maritime industry.
To learn more about the Summer 2026 Sea Challenge cruise, happening July 17- July 24, 2026, contact John Considine at jconsidine@sailportsmouth.org or 603-431-6900.
The Sail Portsmouth organization in Portsmouth, NH, sponsors the Sea Challenge sail training program, hosts the Sail Portsmouth maritime festival featuring tall ships, and organizes the Maritime Talks lecture series.
www.SailPortsmouth.org
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New CoastX Team Members:
Ana Brunette, Summer Intern
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CoastX is thrilled to welcome Ana Brunette as CoastX's Marketing/Communications and Program Assistant Summer Intern.
Ana is a rising senior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Communication with a minor in Psychology. Over the past several years, she has developed a strong passion for the ocean along with a growing interest in marketing and digital content creation. She is excited to join the CoastX team this summer and work alongside a passionate group dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for middle and high school students. She looks forward to an inspiring summer filled with learning, creativity, and hands-on experiences with CoastX.
Ana comes to CoastX as part of the UNH Entrepreneurship Center's Paid Student Internship at Start-ups Program, which includes partial funding from the UNH Paul College Internship Opportunity Fund. Thank you to both programs!
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Looking for Additional Experienced
Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Operators
CONTACT US
| | Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors & Partners | | We’re incredibly honored by the enthusiastic response to our first summer of on-water programs! Thank you for your support—it’s deeply affirming to see our vision resonate so strongly with so many parents and their middle and high school students-- and our corporate sponsors and partners. | | |
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Thank you for your interest in CoastX. We would enjoy sharing more about what we do, answering questions on our programs, and keeping you updated on upcoming programs and dates. Let us know if you would like to partner with CoastX.
info@CoastX.org
PO Box 244
Kittery Point, ME 03905
CoastX is an IRS-determined non-profit 501(C)(3), so your donations are tax deductible. EIN number is 99-2674132
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