The Coastal Ocean Science Academy (COSA) is a marine and environmental science summer day program that aims to introduce and connect young people to local coastal habitats and the factors that shape them. The program is based at Northeastern’s Marine Science Center on the rocky shore of Nahant, where participants explore the rocky shore and tidepools, meet scientists and students, and tour science labs with our dedicated team of educators, then visit coastal habitat field sites nearby. We use the incredible natural classroom around us, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun to engage young people in coastal science and inspire lifelong natural and scientific curiosity.
COSA programs will follow current Massachusetts State and Northeastern University health guidelines for COVID-19.
The program takes place at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center at 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908. All programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and they begin/end each day at the Marine Science Center in Nahant.
This is a drop-off program; participants should be dropped off at the check-in table inside the entrance gate to the MSC each morning, and picked up at 4 pm each day.
Registration is now live; link below!
Update as of 3/31/23: COSA Chondrus (High School, Aug 7-11) IS NOW FULL and our waitlist is at capacity. If you would like to be added to the email list to receive an alert when registration opens for COSA 2024 next summer, please email [email protected].
There are STILL a few spots open for COSA Littorina (Middle School, July 24-28). Please check the application form (link below) for the most up to date information on program capacity.

2023 Program Dates:
Middle School Program: Monday, July 24 – Friday, July 28
High School Program: Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 11
All programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and they begin/end each day at the Marine Science Center in Nahant.

Program Fees:
Fees include morning and afternoon snacks, all program instruction and equipment, student materials, COSA t-shirt and water bottle, and transportation to off-site field locations.
- Middle School Program: $525 for the 5-day program.
- High School Program: $525 for the 5-day program.
Registration:
Registration will go live Monday, February 13th, 2023
The registration process includes:
- Completing an online application form
- Submitting a short paragraph from the COSA applicant about why they are interested in the program/any specific areas of interest in marine science
- Submitting a deposit of $150 to secure the spot (N/A if scholarship applicant)
- Completing waivers required by Northeastern (included in application materials)
Participants will be accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, we are pleased to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships to students interested in participating in the program. Our program goals are aligned with national efforts to create and foster diversity in the pursuit of academic and career opportunities related to STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math).
Preference will be given to students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch or whose family meets the income eligibility levels based on federal guidelines. A limited number of full scholarships will be offered to students eligible for free or reduced lunch. If funds permit, partial scholarships may be awarded to other students expressing a need. Some scholarship funds have been earmarked for residents of Nahant and Lynn – applicants residing in these communities are encouraged to apply for a scholarship.
Those interested in applying for a scholarship should indicate on the program registration pack – please note the registration due dates in the packet – and submit a letter of recommendation. No additional scholarship application/documentation is required.
Please contact Sierra Muñoz at [email protected]ern.edu or 617.373.2825 with any questions.

Please consider making a gift to the COSA Scholarship Fund today – donations can be made directly to the fund online here, or, contact Outreach Program Coordinator Sierra Muñoz at [email protected] or 617.373.2825 to learn more.
