A youth development sailing programme has reported life-changing success for thousands of youngsters who got the chance to take part since its 2015 launch.

Details came as the Endeavour charity issued its impact report for 2022.

The programme imparts science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, or Steam education, with maritime history and conversation, as well as encouraging careers on the water.

The independent assessment by PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory covers September 2021 to August 2022, when 849 young people took part, out of 6,192 youth sailors in total.

Students from 13 schools racked up 1,500 hours of education that year, including 500 hours of maths and science — with 97 per cent from the middle school programme reporting improved problem-solving.

All teachers involved said middle school pupils became more interested in Steam learning, and 100 per cent of parents reported improved confidence and communication from the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme.

Participants in the maritime springboard programme universally reported greater awareness of maritime careers and felt more prepared for employment.

Improved knowledge of water safety was reported by 94 per cent of Endeavour Graduate programme students.

Fourteen high school students from seven schools contributed 1,070 community service hours as assistant instructors.

Endeavour is free, thanks to sponsorships and donations, and is committed to equal access.

Its middle school component targets first-year students across all schools in a five-day Steam programme, aligned with the Cambridge curriculum.

Lessons include sailing geometry, buoyancy, wind power and measurement, environmental conservation and maritime heritage.

Anthony Rocker, a teacher at the Whitney Institute Middle School, said many students got a chance to learn sailing basics they would not otherwise have enjoyed.

“Especially living on an Island, they should get this opportunity,” he said.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, 570 students from 11 schools engaged in Steam learning for the 2021-22 year, joined by 119 teachers who contributed 2,580 hours of support.

Tina Smith, mother of a 2022 Endeavour graduate programme student, said it “100 per cent” boosted her son’s confidence.

“He is a very shy kid and is hesitant to try new things, but when Endeavour offers him a spot to come back, he cannot wait to get out on the water.”

Assistant instructors aged 15 and 16 who have completed the Endeavour graduate programme get leadership development coaching in the programme, as well as community service credit.

Ruby Creary, mother of CedarBridge Academy student Sivaja’ Perinchief, said her son had flourished as an assistant instructor.

She added: “Endeavour is definitely improving access and interest in youth sailing in Bermuda.”

Kimon Lawrence, another student at CedarBridge, picked up a love of sailing along with instructor certification, according to Kim Lawrence, his mother.

“He takes pride in what he is doing and speaks up more and looks forward to the programme.”

Endeavour’s maritime career springboard is a seven-week programme catering to Bermudians aged 16 and above for hands-on practical experience and skills training.

It is offered in partnership with the Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education, and gives internationally recognised qualifications from the Royal Yachting Association including sailing instruction, powerboating, marine radio communication and first aid.

Participants get career days with local and international maritime organisations, building professional contacts who share tips for success.

Endeavour’s partnerships include boatyards, water sports organisations, marine education charities and government departments.

Seventy per cent of Springboard alumni found work in the maritime industry, with several joining the Endeavour team in part-time and full-time roles.

Springboard graduate MaLahku Selassie said he had narrowed down his maritime career goals and picked up new skills working with organisations including Rising Son, Sail Bermuda, and Endeavour.

The BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme engages public school students aged 6 to 18 who are on the autism spectrum or have developmental challenges.

The hands-on learning activities covers Steam concepts in sailing. Sessions also deliver recreational therapy.

LaTasha Levon said her non-verbal son, Eddis, “tends to shy away from the group, but now he wants to be involved”.

“He saw that they were learning how to make a boat, how it will float or sink and he was fully engrossed in the entire experience.”

Tom Miller, the Endeavour chairman, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the impact that we are making through Endeavour’s programmes that benefit diverse youth across Bermuda.”

Mr Miller thanked supporters, including the lead founding partner Orbis Investments, along with Arch Capital Group, PwC Bermuda and BF&M, adding: “You’ve helped us to change lives.”

Jennifer Pitcher, the executive director, said Endeavour was “incredibly humbled to serve Bermuda’s youth” and “endlessly grateful” for the community’s support.

“Together, we’re building brighter futures for Bermuda’s youth who emerge from Endeavour’s programmes with increased confidence, enhanced skills, and a lifelong appreciation for learning.”