Sail Her Dreams is a STEM Academy for girls between
the ages 10-18. This week-long sailing adventure
introduces girls to a whole new world, fostering personal
growth and development.
Each day, the girls will rotate through different stations
where they’ll work on STEM-related projects like building
simple machines, and conducting experiments, as well as
hands-on sailing activities that teach them about navigation, teamwork, and boat mechanics. They will also hear from female role models who have built successful careers in STEM and sailing, sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
The Academy emphasizes mentorship, allowing the girls to ask questions, receive guidance, and explore career paths in both STEM and sailing, from marine biology to naval engineering and even careers as professional sailors or engineers. The goal is to inspire confidence, curiosity, and show them that both STEM and sailing are exciting, accessible fields full of possibilities.
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What STEM Education and Environmental Awareness Looks Like:
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Physics of Sailing: Lessons on the forces of wind and water, the physics of sailboats, and basic navigation techniques. Students will apply principles of force, motion, and energy transfer to understand how sailing works.
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Marine Ecology and Sustainability: Students will learn about the local marine ecosystem of Lake Michigan, including the challenges posed by pollution, invasive species, and climate change. They will participate in hands-on activities like water quality testing, identifying native and invasive species, and cleaning up debris from the lake.
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Astronomy and Weather: Understanding how weather patterns and celestial navigation play a role in sailing, with lessons on tides, wind currents, and star-gazing.​​​
​​​Please Keep in Mind:
The Academy can only accept 15 students between the ages of 10-18. Sailors will be provided with life preservers which are required wear while at the dock, on the boat, and in the water. Students will learn how to sail, maneuver and operate a 24-foot sailboat. We ensure proper guidance with a student to instructor ratio of 5:1. Early drop-off and late pick-up options are available. Please complete the application to start your child on the journey of STEM & sailing.
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2026 Season Schedule
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Session 1: June 15th-19th Session 4: July 6th-9th
Session 2: June 22nd-25th Session 5: July 13th-16th
Session 3: June 29- July 2nd Session 6: July 20th-23rd
Session 7: July 27th-July 30th
About The Academy
Sail Her Dreams is structured as a week-long, hands-on sailing and STEM Academy held during the summer months and consists of:
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Sailing Instruction and Safety Training:
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Participants will receive basic sailing instruction, learning how to navigate and operate small boats. Safety and teamwork are core components of the training.
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Leadership and Teamwork:
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Throughout the week, students will work in teams to complete sailing challenges, while learning the importance of leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
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Field Trips & Guest Speakers:
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The program will include mini field trips around Montrose Harbor, Park & Beach so that the girls can discover and analyze different marine ecosystems and environments.
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Guest speakers will include female role models working in marine biology, environmental conservation, and STEM fields.
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STEM Education and Environmental Awareness:
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Physics of Sailing: Lessons on the forces of wind and water, the physics of sailboats, and basic navigation techniques. Students will apply principles of force, motion, and energy transfer to understand how sailing works.
-
Marine Ecology and Sustainability: Students will learn about the local marine ecosystem of Lake Michigan, including the challenges posed by pollution, invasive species, and climate change. They will participate in hands-on activities like water quality testing, identifying native and invasive species, and cleaning up debris from the lake.
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Astronomy and Weather: Understanding how weather patterns and celestial navigation play a role in sailing, with lessons on tides, wind currents, and star-gazing.
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The Ecosystem Beneath the Surface
Session 1: June 15-19
Learn how insects act as bioindicators, discover how pollution enters our waterways, and get hands-on with water testing to measure key factors like oxygen, nutrients, and clarity that impact aquatic life.
Engineered Support for Athletes
Session 2: June 22 - 24
Explore how health, wellness, and technology come together to support everyday life. Learn about tools and innovations that assist with hearing and joint health, helping people stay active, connected, and independent.
Sessions at a Glance
The Power of Pollinators and Native Plants
Session 3: June 29 - July 2
This week connects science, nature, and stewardship, empowering students to take action in protecting pollinators and creating healthier habitats in their own communities.
Archeological Discovery Led by Museum Curator
Step into the world of conservation science and discover what happens to objects that have spent years underwater. Learn the science behind protecting history, from preventing decay to restoring fragile materials exposed to water, salt, and time.
Data Collection for the Health of the Great Lakes
Learn how sensors and apps are used to test water quality and interpret the results. Analyze live data to understand the health of the Great Lakes and develop real-world solutions.
Session 4: July 6 - 9
Become a Biologist Led by MWRD
Session 6: July 20 - 23
Students will engage with female engineers, scientists, and environmental specialists from MWRD to explore how Chicago manages water, protects ecosystems, and supports public health through innovation and infrastructure.
If you have a group that wants to join us for a day, please email to coordinate.
Sustainable Design in Architecture
Session 7: July 27 - 30
Learn the value of repurposing steel materials to create more sustainable homes and buildings. Innovative engineering and sustainable practices are transforming the real estate industry.
SAIL HER DREAMS IS A 501(C)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Empower the next generation of female leaders by supporting Sail Her Dreams, our youth girls STEM sailing Academy. We provide young girls with the opportunity to combine hands-on sailing experiences with STEM education, fostering skills in science, technology, engineering, and math while building confidence and teamwork on the water. Your donation will help us provide these life-changing opportunities, creating future innovators who are prepared to excel in both STEM fields and beyond. Join us in inspiring and shaping the future of young women — together, we can make waves of change.