Wind & Oar Boat School is an Oregon nonprofit youth education (501c3) organization. Our mission is to engage young people and inspire learning through the art, science, and craft of wooden boat building. Partnering with public schools and youth serving organizations, we deliver project based learning through integrated STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, art, math) programming, to underserved youth across the Portland Metro region in elementary school through post-secondary settings. Building a wooden boat is a unique platform for the exploration of an array of academic, practical, and social skills. Through these programs young people gain confidence, competence leading to continued success in school and career. Building a wooden boat is the platform for exploration of an array of academic, practical, and social skills. Students master new skills in an atmosphere that fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Through the process of crafting a tangible, functional object, young people gain confidence, motivation, and a curious spirit they carry forward at school and in the workplace.