WARWICK, RI -- Students in Warwick will now have an Environmental Science option to select from if they're interested in Career & Technical Education. Frank Galligan, Director of the Warwick Area Career & Technical Center, shared how eager the district is to offer a new program to students as global demands for those skilled in renewable energy grow.
The Environmental Science program that Warwick will launch in the Fall of 2026 explores the field through hands-on projects focused on the development of Rhode Island's Offshore Wind Farm. Gregory Rowe, Science Teacher at Pilgrim High School, is the founding instructor and architect of this new CTE program. He is eager to have students working directly with scientists and researchers in the field - with a focus on data collection and an analysis of aquatic life in and around Rhode Island. Additionally, students will build, launch, and track a mini sailboat to analyze atmospheric and oceanic conditions in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island (URI). Overall, the program aims to teach students how to study air and water conditions related to environmental issues to develop a strong foundation in research of renewable energies.
Galligan credits the program's creation to the ambitions of Gregory Rowe. "He was the one that set out to apply for - and ultimately receive - thousands of dollars in grant funding from the RI Department of Education to launch the program" Galligan says. "We're incredibly appreciative to Greg and excited to see what he is able to do with our students through this new initiative."
As of now, Warwick offers 16 different CTE programs for students - ranging from Cosmetology, Culinary, Automotive, Aviation, Construction, and Health Occupations. 14 of the programs are housed in the Career & Technical Center and Toll Gate High School on Centerville Road, whereas two programs (Lifesaver EMT and Studio 107) are located in Pilgrim High School and will be neighbors to the Environmental Science CTE offering. The addition of Rowe's program will bring the district's total CTE offerings to 17. The Environmental Science CTE program is still in the process of being constructed during the 2025-2026 school year, with plans to begin enrollment in Spring 2026 and a formal launch of classes the following September.
For more information on the Environmental Science CTE program, please contact Mr. Gregory Rowe via email here, or call the Warwick Area Career & Technical Center at (401) 734-3150.
Course Description Credits: Dr. Cheri Guerra, Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning at Pilgrim High School, and Mr. Gregory Rowe, Science Teacher at Pilgrim High School
Additional Media Coverage: "Teacher puts science in motion with seafaring boats, wind turbines" Warwick Beacon (Thurs., June 5, 2025)
Click here to return to the Career and Technical Center home page - or, stay 'in the know' with our complete calendar of events for the '25-'26 school year here.