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Maritime Scholarship Program


Each spring the Port Townsend Yacht Club awards scholarships to individual students for study in a maritime educational program or college.  Approved fields include, but are not limited to: 

  • marine biology
  • fisheries
  • ship and/or boat building and repair
  • ship operations, such as officer training
  • other marine fields
Awards are made to the educational program or school to be attended by the students.  Individual awards range from $500 to $1,500 per successful applicant.  Scholarships are awarded annually, as resources allow.


The Scholarship Fund is administered through a strategic partnership with the Jefferson Community Foundation.
Donations from members and the general public are gratefully accepted at any time. 

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2025 Award Applications

Are Closed



Applications for 2026 scholarships are not yet open.  Information will be posted here when available.

2025 Scholarship Recipients


Photos Coming Soon

Nathaniel Ashford

$2,000 scholarship to Willamette University for Marine Biology

 

Now in his freshman year at Willamette University, Nathaniel Ashford’s plan is to continue studying biology, marine biology and chemistry, with the goal of pursuing sustainable ocean futures through a maritime engineering career. He is the pilot and engineer of the the Sea Dragons ROV Team, who custom built a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can operate underwater. The Sea Dragons ROV Team, a key project of the Port Townsend STEM club founded in 2011, has devised a method using their ROV to recover the many abandoned crab pots in the Puget Sound Area, of which there are an estimated 12,000. In 2024, the team also collaborated with the Olympic Coastal National Marine Sanctuary to capture underwater video of the instrumentation of a disabled buoy. Nathaniel and his team receive an ongoing grant from the the National Marine Sanctuary to co-host workshops for rural and tribal robotics students on the Olympic Peninsula. Their instruction focuses on undersea exploration techniques and the development of industrial grade ROVs. This grant, which will be his second from PTYC, will help Nathaniel to continue his education and his ROV exploration and teaching projects.

Akeyla Behrenfeld

$2,500 scholarship to University of Washington or Western Washington University for Oceanography/Marine Biology

 

Now a senior at Port Townsend High School, Akeyla Behrenfeld has demonstrated her commitment to an ambitious schedule of AP classes, membership in numerous school clubs, and service as the youth representative on the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee. She joined the High School Sailing Team in 6th grade, at the age of 12 she competed in the Northwest Maritime’s Seventy/48 Race, and then she returned a second year to race again in her self-built Collin Angus Expedition rowboat. She also trained at the Puget Sound Voyaging School, has apprenticed with Force 10 Sailmakers and Riggers, and is now job shadowing with Marine Surveys and Assessments. Having worked to relocate marine animals from the Point Hudson breakwater with Washington Scuba Alliance, she is now earning her SCUBA Rescue Diver and Dive Master certificates. Her goal is to study oceanography or marine biology at either Western Washington University or the University of Washington and to
make her career in marine research and conservation in order to make the ocean her workplace.

Conall Fox Gallagher

$500 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to study Marine Systems

 

As a current student at Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, Conall Fox Gallagher has discovered his interest in marine electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. He enjoys fixing problems, applying his ingenuity to small scale component repair, which he developed when dismantling and rebuilding alternators and generators. Following completion of his marine system education, he plans to make his way into the local workforce to acquire baseline training in a real world environment.  He would like to consolidate his knowledge by working in the install boating industry, such as at an aluminum boat building company. Further on, he plans to build a multihull, for which he is considering a James Wharram Tiki 30 or 38 design. Conall will use his scholarship to meet his current student expenses.

Alana Hamman

$2,500 scholarship to Peninsula College and Western Washington University for studies in Marine Science


Beginning with summers as a child on her grandparents sailboat, exploring the San Juan and Gulf Islands, Alana Hamman has loved the ocean. She first learned about her field of interest, marine biology, on a whale watching excursion in Hawaii. After living in California and Arizona, she returned as a high school senior to the Pacific Northwest to study at the Port Townsend Maritime Academy, while taking college level classes at Peninsula College’s Running Start Program. She has volunteered at the Marine Science Center’s marine biology summer camps and has registered for work experience studying and tending sea kelp. Alana’s plan is to take her prerequisite classes at Peninsula College and transfer to Western Washington University’s Marine Science Program. She believes that climate change is inevitable, but that it can be delayed if we work together for solutions. Her goal, as a future marine biologist, is to be part of the mission to mitigate the effects of climate change on the oceans.

Isaac Johnson

$2,000 scholarship to Bellingham Technical Institute for studies in Marine Diesel Technology


Port Townsend High School senior Isaac Johnson has chosen to go to Bellingham Technical Institute to study diesel technology, where he can find the kind of program to build his career. His long term plan is to work a few years as a diesel technician and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Isaac developed his interest and skills working on his own car, an older Toyota 4 Runner with a Mercedes 5 cylinder engine installed, that had no repair manual to guide him. This led to solving each mechanical puzzle himself and seeing his accomplishments come to fruition. He notes that there is presently a huge shortage of diesel engine mechanics, a need which he hopes to help meet. Isaac has also volunteered at the Wooden Boat Festival and taught sailing at The NW Maritime Center’s “Learn to Sail” summer camp. After his studies, he intends to return to Port Townsend and work alongside those who have already inspired him.

Nathan Lore

$2,000 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding


Currently a student in the NWSWB 12 month program, Nathan Lore is drawn to boat design, pattern making and complex joinery. He sees his education and career direction as carpentry through the lens of boat restoration and repair work. His plan after graduation is to find a position at Boat Haven, or possibly to intern at NWSWB, or to attend their Marine Systems Program. He wants to stay in this area and contribute to the community, economy, and tradition of Port Townsend’s boat workers. The scholarship will allow him to focus solely on his studies in order to maximize his success at school. Nathan has been exploring Oregon and Washington’s flat water rivers and lakes since childhood and wants to eventually have his own small motor boat for fishing, crabbing, and further exploration in the Puget Sound region.

Select the year below to see a list of prior scholarship recipients.

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2024
2024
  • Ella Ashford, awarded $1,000 to study Coastal Processes & Marine Science at Willamette University
  • Nathaniel Ashford, awarded $1,000 to study Mechanical Engineering & Marine Biology at a university to be determined
  • Zephyr Bell, awarded $500 to study Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture at a university to be determined
  • D'Leen Betts, awarded $1,000 to study Sailmaking at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Panya Cao, awarded $1,000 to study Environmental Science at a university to be determined
  • Piper Hewitt, awarded $500 to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Mia Nikkonen, awarded $1,000 to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Emilia Ramsay, awarded $1,000 to Duckworks Boatshop Takeover for the Boatbuilding Trade Program
  • Sebastian Rogowski, awarded $1,000 for the Systems Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Nellie Sorenson, awarded $1,000 to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Hazel Windstorm, awarded $1,000 to the Schooner Martha Training Internship


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2023
2023
  • Adeline Gellert DePalma, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Biology at Lewis & Clark University
  • Pearl Farley, awarded $1,000 to complete her boatbuilding degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Amber Hocking, awarded $750 for a Six-Pack Captain's License at U.S. Maritime Academy
  • Kathryn Hoerauf, awarded $1,500 to study Environmental Science at Western Washington University
  • Lorenzo McCleese, awarded $750 to study Marine Environmental Science at the University of Washington
  • Ellie Meopham, awarded $750 for a Master Captain's License at Maritime Learning Systems
  • Elizabeth Palmer, awarded $1,000 to study Marine Systems at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Sebastian Rogowski, awarded $1,000 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding


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2022
2022
  • Peter Dragula, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Alex Guevara, awarded $1,400 to study at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Ella Ashford, awarded $1,500 to study Interdisciplinary Studies in technology, marine science & earth systems at Willamette University
  • Eric Berg, awarded $700 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Olivia Nivison, awarded $1,400 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Zoe Page, awarded $1,000 scholarship to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding


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2021
2021
  • Erika Ensminger, awarded $1,600 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Ella Ashford, awarded $1,500 to study Environmental Science, and Marine Engineering and Policy at Willamette University
  • Emma Gunn Thomson, awarded $1,400 to study 100T Captain's License Course at Flagship Maritime Training Center
  • Trevor Warren, awarded $1,400 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Emily Perkins, awarded $1,000 scholarship to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding


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2020
2020
  • Anika Avelino, awarded $2,000 to study Environmental Science with Marine Biology & Sustainability at Western Washington University
  • Katherine Davis, awarded $1,200 to study Botany & Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia
  • Tiffany Whiteford, awarded $500 to study PSC Life Boatman Course at Compass Courses
  • Sonja Frojen, awarded $1,200 to study Maritime Teacher Training & Certification at Olympic College CTE
  • Matthew McColl, awarded $1,200 to study Marine Transportation at the University of Alaska
  • Elsa Sebastian, awarded $2,000 to study Contemporary Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2019
2019
  • Nathan Eby, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Systems at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Sonia Frojen, awarded $1,000 to study for Maritime Teacher Training and Certification at Olympic College Career Technical Education
  • Mave Lastovia, awarded $360 to study Marine Canvas and Rigging skills at the Sean & Inger Rankin Course
  • Chrissy McLean, awarded $860 to study for a Captain's License at Mariners Learning Systems
  • Samantha Rae, awarded $1,500 to study Science at the University of Idaho
  • Tiffany Whiteford, awarded $1,100 to study Marine Safety STCW Certification at the Maritime Professional Training School
  • Kendra Wolfe, awarded $2,000 to study the Traditional Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2018
2018
  • Samantha Rae, awarded $1,700 to study Science at the University of Idaho
  • Robert Ferrar, awarded $1,300 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Demian Detweiler, awarded $1,300 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2017
2017
  • Riley Gabriel, awarded $1,450 to study vocational training in boatbuilding to lead to an accredited degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Angela Hewitson, awarded $1,450 to study vocational training in boatbuilding to lead to an accredited degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Brenna Hildebrand-Latchford, awarded $1,000 to continue her climb in the maritime trades at sea at Compass Courses Maritime Training
  • Jakob Magus, awarded $1,450 to pursue the Unlicensed Mariner Program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (formerly the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
  • Rick Myers, awarded $1,450 to continue his vocational training for an accredited degree in Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Ursula Swantner, awarded $700 to learn the craft of marine canvas fabrication


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2016
2016
  • Lennard Noller, awarded $1,500 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Laura Stefaniak, awarded $1,500 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2015
2015
  • Jared Moore, awarded $1,000 to study in the Traditional Small Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Kathleen Murphy, awarded $1,000 for the 12-month Traditional Small Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2014
2014
  • Shawn Huston, awarded $200 to study in the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley College
  • Joshua King, awarded $700 to study at the Divers Institute of Technology
  • Juhi LaFuente, awarded $200 to pursue a degree in Marine Ecology through Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment
  • Lucas Murphy, awarded $700 to study at the Seattle Maritime Center
  • Serena Vilage, awarded $400 to study in the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley Community College
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2013
2013
  • Shawn Huston, awarded $1,000 to study Traditional Large Craft at Skagit Valley College
  • Penelope Partridge, awarded $1,400 to complete her B.A. and study for a Captain’s License at Evergreen College
  • Alethea Westlund, awarded $200 to map eel grass in conjunction with the Marine Science Center, as her senior project at Port Townsend High School
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2012
2012
  • Zach Simoson-Bond, awarded $750 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Shawn Huston, awarded $750 to pursue an Associates Degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
  • Juhi LaFuente, awarded $275 to study Marine Sciences at Western Washington University
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2011
2011
  • Elizabeth Palmer, awarded $650 to study in the Large Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding with a goal to help preserve historic vessels
  • Melissa Allen, awarded $1,000 to study for an Associate's Degree in Occupational Studies at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2010
2010
  • Julianne Gurnee, awarded $700 to study Marine Biology at Mills College
  • Sarah Felder, awarded $700 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
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2009
2009
  • Cheqa Rodgers, awarded $1,000 to conduct a research project about the biodiversity and abundance of fish species in two Port Townsend locations, in conjunction with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center
  • Ransom Cadorette, awarded $1,000 to study Marine Biology and Ecology at Seattle Pacific University
  • Micheal Hunner, awarded $575 to participate in the Fantastic Voyages Sound Experience on the Schooner Adventuress
  • Melanya Nordstrom, awarded $283.50 to attend the Northwest Maritime Center sailing class
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2008
2008
  • Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $1,000 to support children and youth participation in "Messing About in Boats", "Learn to Sail Youth" and the Port Townsend Youth Sailing Team
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $920 for the Sea Scout Regatta and for participation in the Pacific Challenge Longboat Competition and the Atlantic Challenge
  • Schooner Martha Foundation, awarded $500 for youth in sail training
  • Sound Experience, awarded $575 for youth participation in the Fantastic Voyage overnight program
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $1,000 to support their marine education programs
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2007
2007
  • Northwest Maritime Center & Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $1,000 for three youth boating classes
  • Alicia Dominguez, awarded $800 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $700 for certifications, long boat competition, and life jacket replacement
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for education on marine stewardship
  • Schooner Martha Foundation, awarded $500 for youth sailing program
  • Sound Experience (Adventuress), awarded $500 for Fantastic Voyage sailing programs
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2006
2006
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $500 for 15 youth jackets with logo
  • Sound Experience, awarded $350 for Adventuress Sound Exploration trips
  • Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $800 for Youth Sea Camp and Learn to Sail Program
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $350
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2005
2005
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $500 for participation in the 2005 Pacific Longboat Challenge in Olympia
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500
  • Sound Experience, awarded $500
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for scholarships for children 7-9 years
  • Northwest Maritime Center, awarded $500 for “Learn to Sail” students
  • Chloe Swantner, awarded $550
  • Sarah Rudolf, awarded $550 
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2004
2004
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for full scholarships for five local teachers to attend training workshops
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $500
  • Sound Experience, awarded $500
  • Logan Cadorette, awarded $1,500 to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
  • Jett Fisher, awarded $1,500 to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
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2003
2003
  • Alcyone, awarded $300
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for five local teachers to attend teacher training workshop
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $400 for seven half-tuitions for community sailing programs
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $2,000 for matching Young Boat Builders Scholarship Fund for Maya Moon. 
  • Sea Scouts, awarded $300
  • Sound Experience, awarded $1,500 for six half- tuitions
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2002
2002
  • SSS Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $490
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $180 for two half-scholarships
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $222 for Toro sailing lessons
  • Spencer Snapp, awarded $160 for Port Townsend High School Sailing Team to attend Lazer Class Junior Olympics, San Diego
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2001
2001


  • SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $471
  • Lissy Yates, awarded $397
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $88 for one half-scholarship
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $45
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2000
2000


  • SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $350
  • Lissy Yates, awarded $182 for HM Bark Endeavour
  • Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three El Toro Sailing Lessons half-scholarship
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1999
1999


  • SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $494
  • Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three half-scholarships
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $83 for one Day Camp half-scholarship 


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1998
1998


  • SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $360
  • ???, awarded $135 for three El Toro sailing lessons
  • Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three half-scholarships
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $83 for their camp 
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1997
1997


  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $300 for the Tall Ships Program
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $188 for Overnight Camp
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $80 for Day Camp
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $40 for lido racing lessons
  • John Calder, awarded $300 for a trip with Quilcene-Brinnon Schools’ Shellfish Science Club to accept President’s Award in Washington, DC
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1996
1996


  • Megan King, awarded $650 for the Wooden Boat Foundation’s Tall Ships Program
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for their scholarship program
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for general scholarships
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1995
1995


  • Trisha Solheim, graduate of Port Townsend High School, awarded $500 to study marine biology at the University of Washington
  • Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for local youth program
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $135 for a local child to attend Day Camp
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1994
1994


  • Mark D. Anderson, awarded $500 to study at U.S. Merchant Academy, Kings Point, NY 
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1993
1993


  •  Eric Jacobsen, awarded $500 to study at California Maritime Academy 
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1992
1992


  • Sarah Young, Port Townsend High School graduate, awarded $500
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1991
1991


  • Garvin (Gary) Purtteman, Port Townsend High School graduate, awarded $1,000