Patriots Point Scholarship Program sponsors North Charleston students for educational programs aboard Yorktown

The Patriots Point Institute of History and Science is partnering with the City of North Charleston to host 550 students for educational programs aboard the USS YORKTOWN July 2-9 (not including weekend dates and the Fourth of July). The students – all participants in the North Charleston Recreation Department’s Summer Camp – will participate in a cross-curricular, standards-based program that features history, science, math, literacy, and art components in a setting that underscores patriotism, dedication and sacrifice.

A group of approximately 100 students will visit Patriots Point each day. Their participation in this program has been made possible thanks to the Patriots Point Scholarship Program, funded by the generous support of community partners and organizations such as the USS Yorktown (CV-10) Association and local volunteer Mike Sudzina and his wife, Mary. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these students to visit Patriots Point and to take part in our multi-faceted educational programs,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “In addition to serving as Charleston’s only floating science lab, Patriots Point represents some of the very best qualities of our nation – duty, honor, service, and sacrifice,” Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette said. 

“We recognize that challenges presented by today’s economic climate make it difficult for various youth programs to afford to travel for off-site education programs and we want to do our part to help,” Burdette continued. “Thanks to our Scholarship Program, we have been able to subsidize travel and admission costs for more than 5,000 students in the past year alone. For most of these children, it was their first trip to the USS YORKTOWN and to Charleston. These are experiences they will remember for a lifetime.” 

The Patriots Point Scholarship Program depends on support from the community. Qualifying schools and programs are eligible to apply for funding; and every $10 donation means that a student is able to participate in the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science’s education programs. During the past school year, Patriots Point welcomed students from 26 counties in South Carolina to participate in the Institute of History and Science education programs. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to this fund, please contact the Patriots Point Education Department at 843-971-5046. 

On the final day of the camp, Monday, July 9, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey will visit Patriots Point to view the History and Science program in action and to speak with the students. 

“Many thanks are due to Patriots Point and its Scholarship Program donors for the positive impact being made on the young people of our community,” Mayor Summey said. “Through their generosity, hundreds of North Charleston youths will be afforded a one of a kind, hands-on educational experience that is unrivaled by many Lowcountry programs. Simply boarding the USS Yorktown will be something never before experienced by many of our summer camp participants.” 

Town of Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails, who serves as a member of the Patriots Point Development Authority Board, will also join the students on July 9. For three weeks this summer, June 11-15, July 23-27 and August 6-10, Patriots Point is partnering with the Town of Mount Pleasant to offer summer educational programs for students. Parents registered their children for this week-long program through the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Department of Parks and Recreation. 

“I commend Patriots Point for its stewardship and commitment to educating the next generations of leaders, patriots and scientists,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails. “Patriots Point Institute of History and Science offers a unique educational experience for our Lowcountry children and beyond. The Patriots Point Scholarship Program ensures that our children can benefit from the time-tested values of honor, duty and courage that this fine institution embodies. As Patriots Point moves forward, it will continue to inspire and engage our youth in new and innovative ways to preserve this rich military heritage.” 

About Patriots Point 

Patriots Point, on the Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, SC, is home of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the USS YORKTOWN, USS LAFFEY and USS CLAMAGORE, Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S. Patriots Point is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum. As an agency, the Naval and Maritime Museum strives to preserve the living history of our nation’s bravest men and women while telling their stories in honorable, educational and engaging ways. Stay up to date on what’s happening at Patriots Point by visiting www.patriotspoint.org and ‘liking’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatriotsPoint.org.