Fishing Industry Specialization, or FINS, is a 2-year alternative education program designed in 1979 by the LaConner (Washington) School District to encourage high school completion by students wanting to enter the fishing industry. With encouragement from the Swinomish Indian Tribe and help from an active citizens advisory board, school officials have redesigned a high school program around the technological skills necessary for survival at sea and in the fishing industry. FINS students follow a 5-phase sequence of academic, vocational, and at-sea coursework resulting in a competency certification. Academic and vocational courses, which use special curriculum units to teach standard curriculum topics in the context of the fishing industry, include introduction to fishing, navigation, marine safety and survival, marine engines and repair, marine biology, money management, boat building, drafting, and report writing. At-sea coursework covers safety, deck seamanship, navigation, and commercial fishing gear and techniques. FINS provides students with a realistic incentive to complete school and to master and apply academic skills in practical work experience. While many FINS graduates have obtained entry level jobs in marine-related areas, others have continued their training at the college level. This successful educational model can be applied in conjunction with any major community industry. (SB)