Narragansett High School Partners with Yamaha to Bring Industry Training to New Marine Professions CTE Program
Narragansett High School is building upon the success of its Marine Professions Career and Technical Education (CTE) program with a new partnership with Yamaha Motor Corporation, bringing industry-recognized curriculum, specialized equipment, and hands-on training opportunities directly to students beginning this school year.
Launched in Fall 2025, Marine Professions was developed to connect students with the many career opportunities available within Rhode Island's coastal and marine industries. The new Yamaha partnership represents a significant advancement for the growing program, providing students with access to professional-level resources and training aligned with current workforce expectations.
Through the partnership, Narragansett is investing in Yamaha's marine curriculum, instructional materials, specialized tools, and equipment. The investment is funded through a competitive grant from the Rhode Island Department of Education, allowing the district to bring these industry resources directly into student learning.
For students, this means learning that extends well beyond the classroom. They will have opportunities to work with marine systems and equipment, develop practical technical skills, and earn valuable industry credentials that can strengthen their preparation for employment and continued education within the marine industry.
"This partnership is an exciting next step for our Marine Professions program," said Narragansett High School Principal Conor McCloskey. "As the program continues to grow, we want to provide students with authentic experiences that connect what they are learning in school to the skills and standards being used in the industry. Yamaha allows us to take that hands-on learning to another level."
Marine Professions instructors Zack Sirowich and A.J. Dangelo have already completed onsite professional development and curriculum training at Yamaha's headquarters in Georgia through the program's partnership with Full Keel Marine. In addition to supporting the instructors' Yamaha training, Full Keel Marine continues to serve as a local industry partner, providing additional resources and support as the Marine Professions program grows. Their training has prepared them to implement Yamaha's industry-recognized curriculum and provide instruction that reflects current standards and best practices within the marine industry.
"Across the marine industry, dealerships continue to face a shortage of qualified technicians, directly impacting service capacity and customer experience,” shared Cara Hicks, Marine Workforce Development Specialist at Yamaha Motor Corporation. “By partnering with schools like Narragansett, Yamaha is helping build the next generation of marine technicians through enhanced training programs and direct pathways to careers at Yamaha dealerships."
Narragansett's Marine Professions program provides students with hands-on experiences across fisheries and aquaculture, ocean innovation and technology, tourism and hospitality, and marine and coastal industries. The program also incorporates industry certifications, partnerships, boat simulator training, and on-the-water learning.
"Partnerships like this are an important part of the continued growth of our CTE programs," said Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings. "When industry leaders believe in what we are building and become part of that work, our students benefit. They gain access to current technology, expertise, and real-world experiences that help prepare them for what comes next. We are grateful to Yamaha and the Rhode Island Department of Education for helping us continue to grow this program."
With more than 400 miles of shoreline and a strong maritime heritage, Rhode Island offers unique opportunities for careers across its coastal and marine economy. By continuing to build connections with industry partners like Yamaha, Narragansett High School is creating opportunities for students to explore pathways that can lead directly from the classroom to college, training, and careers.
The Yamaha partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Marine Professions and reflects Narragansett School System's continued commitment to growing programs that respond to student interests while preparing them for the opportunities of tomorrow.