Blue Frontiers
About
Discover Marine Science. Drive Sustainability. Shape the Future.
Blue Frontiers Program is a three-phase summer experience that takes teens from curiosity to real-world exploration of the oceans and the global Blue Economy. Students begin at ACS Athens, building foundational skills in sustainability, ethics, and critical thinking, then move to the Aegean Sea for immersive field experiences in marine research and biodiversity monitoring. The journey culminates in the Atlantic at a U.S. university, where students engage in open-ocean exploration, university labs, and connecting their discoveries to global environmental and policy challenges. Designed for IB and AP students, the program fosters leadership, creativity, and a global perspective on sustainability. It’s a summer adventure meant to inspire curiosity, spark action, and open doors to new opportunities.
Objectives
By the end of the program, students will:
- Understand marine ecosystems as environmental, social, and economic systems
- Apply ethical and scientific reasoning to real-world environmental data
- Develop research, collaboration, and communication skills aligned with IB & AP outcomes
- Explore academic and career pathways within the global Blue Economy
- Connect science, policy, or data to global sustainability challenges
Program Overview & Schedule
Phase I: Bootcamp
Location: ACS Athens
- Interdisciplinary instruction (Science & Individuals & Societies)
- Marine ecology, data ethics, and sustainability
- Introduction to EU marine policy and the Blue Economy
- Career exploration and skills mapping
Phase II: Aegean Field Lab
Location: Aegean Sea, Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
- Hands-on marine research and biodiversity monitoring
- Ethical data collection in real field conditions
- Understanding enclosed marine ecosystems
Phase III: Atlantic Scaling & Capstone
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Roger Williams University, USA
- Explore the open waters of the Atlantic and connect local research to global ocean systems
- Engage in hands-on research, data interpretation, and real-world problem solving
- Gain exposure to university labs, research methods, and collaborative projects
FAQ
Who can apply?
The program is open to rising sophmores and rising juniors with an interest in science, sustainability, policy, or global systems.
Do I need prior marine science experience?
No. Curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to engage in inquiry-based learning are key.
How is this aligned with IB?
The program supports MYP Global Contexts, ATL skills, and DP research and evaluation criteria, including preparation for Extended Essay-style work
Attend the Program
- Aegean Package – 300 euros
- Aegean to Atlantic Package – 2300 euros