Programs & Initiatives

Driving Human Performance Forward

Spinnaker Institute advances education, research, and workforce development through collaborative, mission-aligned initiatives. As a nonprofit research and education organization, we design and share programs that strengthen skills, promote innovation, and improve readiness across government, industry, and academia.
Contact Our Research Team

Where Research, Education, and Real-World Impact Meet

Spinnaker Institute is a nonprofit advancing training science, human systems integration, and workforce readiness. We turn research into practical programs that prepare today’s learners—and tomorrow’s operators—to perform in complex environments. Every initiative we build supports one mission: advancing human performance for the public good.

Education & Workforce Development

Spinnaker Institute helps organizations build competency-based, outcomes-driven education and training programs. Our initiatives connect learning theory with real-world performance, creating the foundation for a skilled, mission-ready workforce.
Curriculum Design
We build integrated learning ecosystems that align technical training, self-paced modules, coaching, and on-the-job performance. Our approach blends modern instructional design with immersive tech to ensure learning is scalable, measurable, and mission-focused.
Example Initiatives:
  • Competency-based curriculum for Marine Corps technical workforce
  • Online technical systems academy for recreational mariners
Apprenticeships

We create hands-on apprenticeship pathways with educators and industry, combining real-world practice, mentorship, and certification to accelerate workforce readiness.

Example Initiatives:
  • Redesigning a major utility company’s Electrical Journeyman Apprenticeship Program
  • Developing simulation-focused apprenticeship tracks for early-career technicians

Collaboration & Research Partnerships

Collaboration drives our mission. Spinnaker Institute partners with government, defense, academia, and industry to advance human performance science and accelerate the transition of research into real-world training and readiness solutions.

Research Collaboration

We provide objective, data-driven research in simulation validation, human performance measurement, and training effectiveness. As a nonprofit, our work supports public interest and strengthens the broader scientific community.

Example Initiative:

  • Research on human–AI/Avatar interaction for next-generation training systems

Areas of Collaboration:

  • HP-FEA and performance research
  • Simulation VV&A studies
  • Human Systems Integration (HSI)
  • Applied cognitive & learning science
  • Training design and development
  •  

Knowledge-Sharing & Industry Engagement

We contribute to the training and simulation community through conferences, panels, and published research—sharing frameworks and insights that inform policy, acquisition, and training effectiveness.

Interested in Partnering With Us?

Join us in advancing human performance through education, applied research, and workforce initiatives. Whether you’re developing curriculum, piloting apprenticeships, or conducting validation studies, we welcome collaboration that strengthens readiness and impact.
Contact Research Team
Collaboration Options
close menu icon

Learn how we helped 100 top brands gain success.

Let's have a chat