Mission:
To strengthen communities and inspire young people to achieve their potential through hands-on education and job training using urban, natural, and maritime resources as "living classrooms."

About the Organization:
Founded in Baltimore in 1985, the Living Classrooms Foundation provides thirty-five education and workforce development programs reaching more than 50,000 students a year in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area. The organization uses community revitalization projects, maritime settings, and other challenging learning environments to accomplish it s mission while keeping the staff-to-student ratio low. Programs focus on career development, community service, elevating self-esteem, and fostering multicultural exchange.

Current Programs:
Living Classrooms focuses on three program areas: providing hands-on education and employment training to economically disadvantaged youth and young adults living in high-risk environments; educating youth from diverse backgrounds about their environment and stewardship responsibilities; and educating the public about Baltimore-Washington, D.C. maritime history and heritage. The foundation's signature "floating classrooms" provide interdisciplinary and environmental education programs aboard historic ships. In addition, through a partnership with the governments of Baltimore and Maryland, the foundation manages the Historic Ships in Baltimore, Friends of Fort McHenry, the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum, and the Inner Harbor Paddleboats programs.

Web Site:
On the Living Classrooms site, visitors can explore resources related to shipboard programs, learn how to purchase or donate a vessel, keep up with recent news and events, and sign up to receive e-mail updates. In addition, site visitors can stay in touch with the organization via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Funding:
Living Classrooms receives government support as well as funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals.