UMassD Student Affairs Global Experience (SAGE)

The Student Affairs Global Experience (SAGE) Program is an innovative partnership between UMass Dartmouth’s Division of Student Affairs, Vineyard Offshore, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). SAGE immerses high school and university students in the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry through hands-on learning in the U.S. and Europe. Designed to develop a diverse, skilled talent pipeline, the program blends global experiential learning with professional training, cultural immersion, and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental science, engineering, and business. Through career exploration, mentoring, academic credit opportunities, and international networking, SAGE prepares students to become globally minded leaders ready to shape the future of clean energy. 

With the support of Vineyard Offshore and MassCEC, SAGE is pleased to offer the following international experiences: 

• Portugal – Spring 2026
• United Kingdom – Summer 2026
• Denmark – Spring 2027 

Summer 2026 United Kingdom Experience Program

Overview

The Summer 2026 United Kingdom Offshore Wind Student Exchange is part of the Student Affairs Global Exchange (S.A.G.E.) initiative funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). The program is designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities focused on offshore wind energy, renewable technology, cultural immersion, and global engagement.

The program will include visits to offshore wind facilities, historical and cultural landmarks, and opportunities to engage with students and professionals in the United Kingdom. Participants will travel to multiple UK cities, including Grimsby, York, Liverpool/Manchester, and London, to experience both the offshore wind industry and broader cultural contexts.

Important dates

Application deadline: June 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Application decision: June 10, 2026
Acceptance/consent: June 17, 2026
July Q&A Zoom sessions: TBD
Travel dates: July 26-August 1, 2026

Preliminary program timeline & recruitment plan

Week of May 24, 2026

• Application opens for Summer 2026 UK Exchange
• Email marketing distributed to:
  • Local high school counselors
  • UMass Dartmouth students
  • Previous Portugal Exchange applicants
• Meeting with UK representatives review draft itinerary
• Outreach to Portugal offshore wind partners facilitate introductions to UK offshore wind partners
• Submission of request University Marketing and Communication for:
  • Website updates
  • Program flyer design
  • T-shirt and drawstring bag promotional items

Week of June 7, 2026

• Applications due
• Application review process begins
• Participant selection and notification
• Continued coordination and finalization of UK program plans

Week of June 21, 2026

• Participant paperwork due
• Finalization of:
  • Flights
  • Lodging
  • Ground transportation
  • Wind farm site visits
  • Local venues and attractions

Week of June 28, 2026

• Final logistical review and wrap-up

Week of July 12 or 19, 2026

• Student and parent orientation session
• Review of:
  • Program expectations
  • Travel itinerary
  • Safety procedures
  • Cultural expectations
  • Required documentation
• Draft UK Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Travel dates: Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Saturday, August 1, 2026

• Sunday, July 26: Depart United States for Liverpool/Manchester
• Monday, July 27: Offshore wind facility visits and local cultural attraction (TBD)
• Tuesday, July 28: Offshore wind site visit; Day trip to York
• Wednesday, July 29: Travel to London; Thames River activity and/or theater experience
• Thursday, July 30: UK Parliament visit
• Friday, July 31: Buckingham Palace tour
• Saturday, August 1: Return to the United States

Please note: The itinerary above is preliminary and remains subject to logistical confirmation and partner availability.

Outreach and recruitment activities

Planned outreach efforts include:

• Direct outreach to Southeastern Massachusetts high schools
• University-wide student email marketing
• Targeted outreach to previous Portugal Exchange applicants
• Collaboration with UK and Portugal offshore wind partners
• Social media promotion through UMass Dartmouth channels
• Development of promotional materials including flyers, website updates, and branded program items

Metrics associated with outreach and recruitment activities will be included in a future submission following the completion of the recruitment cycle.

Current status

The Summer 2026 United Kingdom Offshore Wind Student Exchange remains in the active planning and recruitment preparation phase. Preliminary program planning, recruitment timelines, and draft itinerary development are underway and progressing as anticipated.