Gannon University Engineering Program, College is for Every Student, and BCMS, Collaboration
Mechanical engineering students from the Gannon University School of Engineering and Computer Science designed and built a new small boat ramp for use at BCMS. The Gannon students worked under the guidance of Dr. Karina Vernaza from the Mechanical Engineering Department and Dr. Barry Brinkman from the Computer and Information Sciences Department.
Bayfront high school students worked along side Gannon University professors and mechanical engineering students on a small boat ramp design and construction project.
On Saturday 10 April 2010, twenty seven Erie School District elementary and middle school students who are participating in the College for Every Student program came to BCMS to see the engineering students and BCMS staff work on the new ramp project. College For Every Student (CFES) is a nonprofit organization committed to raising the academic aspirations and performance of under-served youth so that they can prepare for, gain access to, and succeed in college. Both the School District City of Erie and Gannon University are partnering agencies in this program.
Erie School students touring the BCMS boatshop while the ramp construction project was underway
Monday, 12 April 2010, with the help of the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority operator and backhoe, the ramp was moved and set into place. Anchoring the ramp's top end will be the last task.
The backhoe moved the ramp out of the boatshop and into position.
The new ramp will allow better access to the East Canal Basin for the smaller BCMS vessels: canoes, kayaks, dories, and skiffs.
This collaboration allows high school students an opportunity to work side by side with college students and professors, giving them a chance, perhaps for the first time, to envision college in their own future. Developing a sense of future, as well as a sense of their place in the community helps these young people to make smart choices.
Students and faculity from Lincoln, JoAnna Connell, and Irving schools.