As a boat horn pierces an overcast Monday morning on Manhattan’s South Street, a stampede of teenagers rushes toward the 8 o’clock ferry bound for Governors Island – carrying backpacks, headphones and several fishing poles.

If they miss this ferry, they will be late for the first period at the New York Harbor School. This maritime public high school is training the next generation of environmental stewards who will be better equipped to manage a planet rapidly approaching its global warming tipping point. And its hands-on curriculum prepares graduates for the green and sustainable jobs in the maritime sector — from scientific research to underwater welding.

The Harbor School, which is now in its 20th year of operation, is looking to expand. Its educational facility currently only has enough space for around 500 students. The campus is planning to double in size by 2026 with the addition of two buildings, allowing for enrollment of up to 1,000 students.

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