Region 6, which includes the Northern Neck, is receiving $100,000 to fund Promoting Careers in Aquaculture. The Region 6 award is 8% of the total. According to the release, the RCC Educational Foundation program will operate in Gloucester, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, and Westmoreland counties. Further,
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) Educational Foundation will promote jobs in the aquaculture industry cluster through the development of online learning modules, a one-week immersive summer course experience and a four-week summer internship with a local aquaculture business. This project will expand high school students’ understanding of what jobs are available in the sector, expand educational opportunities that fit employer’s needs and support internship opportunities fostering experience and awareness. Additionally, RCC will work with business partners to explore an industry-recognized certificate/credential that would serve as a non-credit option available to RCC students interested in pursuing a career in aquaculture.
What is aquaculture? NOAA defines it this way: "Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, algae, and other organisms in all types of water environments."