Ocean Research Academy
Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA)
The Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA) at Everett Community College is an interdisciplinary, full-time Running Start program that embeds undergraduate research directly into general education courses.
Program Features & Structure
- Cohort-Based Learning: Students learn in a dedicated community that blends Associate of Arts and Sciences degree requirements with high school graduation coursework.
- Hands-On Research: A specialized research laboratory and a fully outfitted research vessel facilitate student-driven scientific research in the local estuary.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: The nature of science and the search for relevant evidence is infused across all disciplines at ORCA, including English, math, history, and other subjects.
Location & Field Work
Located directly on the Everett waterfront, ORCA students actively collect and analyze data on the state of Possession Sound. Fieldwork responsibilities include monitoring water quality as well as tracking the abundance and distribution of local marine life.
Contact & Connect