The primary goal of the Aquaculture Learning Lab is or reduce student drop out and increase student achievement, by teaching students academic skills that are focused on relevant workplace applications. By developing a model for a new industry recognized as Aquaculture, students will be motivated to learn math, science, technology and communication skills. Aquaculture is a non-polluting and non-intrusive commercial fishing industry. Aquaculture is a real life solution to the economic survival of Everglades City and in order for it to become a viable industry, skilled biologists, engineers, manufacturers and wholesalers will be needed. These are productive occupations and many can be filled with graduating students for Everglades City since the project has been funded. Moreover, the academic and real world application skills are required in developing an Aquaculture system are the same critical thinking and problem solving skills used in and required for most business and industry.

Research recently conducted by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education at Berkeley show that by combining academic instruction with real world applications, demands on students are increased and increased academic achievement follows.

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