Crowley Maritime Corp. recently assisted the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in winning a three-year grant to help students develop the skills to launch careers in the maritime industry, the company revealed June 29.
Crowley’s marine services group in Valdez, Alaska, serving as lead industry partner, helped the Vocational Technical Center win a Carl Perkins Post-Secondary Grant from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development’s Career & Technical Education Office.
AVTEC, also known as Alaska’s Institution of Technology, will receive a grant of $250,000 annually, renewable up to three years.
AVTEC plans to use the grant to enhance its AVTEC Secondary Training Academy, helping students earn the credentials necessary for licenses to work on maritime vessels.
Crowley will support AVTEC’s Young Mariner Program, which provides scholarships, work experience and career development information. The company has a history of funding scholarships to Alaskans attending AVTEC maritime training, as well as supported job training and employment of Alaska Natives.
“Crowley is proud to again partner with AVTEC to provide opportunities for Alaskans in maritime careers,” Rod Jones, general manager of Crowley’s marine services group in Valdez, said in a statement. “Our long history in Alaska’s communities makes us uniquely qualified to support the development of job opportunities for students seeking sustainable careers.”