Crowley, AVTEC get grant to help Alaska students start maritime careers

(VALDEZ, Alaska) ­— Crowley Maritime Corp. assisted the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) to win a three-year grant that will help students develop skills to successfully establish careers in the maritime industry.

AVTEC, with the help of Crowley’s marine services group in Valdez, Alaska, serving as lead industry partner, won a Carl Perkins Post-Secondary Grant from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development’s Career & Technical Education Office. AVTEC, known as Alaska’s Institution of Technology, will receive a grant of $250,000 annually, renewable up to three years.

“Crowley is proud to again partner with AVTEC to provide opportunities for Alaskans in maritime careers. Our long history in Alaska’s communities makes us uniquely qualified to support the development of job opportunities for students seeking sustainable careers,” said Crowley’s Rod Jones, general manager of Crowley's marine services group in Valdez.

AVTEC will use the grant to enhance its AVTEC Secondary Training Academy (ASTA), helping students earn the credentials necessary for licenses to work on maritime vessels. Crowley will continue to support AVTEC’s Young Mariner Program, which provides scholarships, work experience and career development information.

The company has funded scholarships to Alaskans attending AVTEC maritime training, as well as supported job training and employment of Alaska Natives. 

For more information, visit www.crowley.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff