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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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2024 Award Applications

Closed February 6



Applications for 2025 scholarships are not yet open.  Information will be posted here when available.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

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Ella Ashford

$1,000 scholarship to Willamette University for Coastal Processes & Marine Science

Ella Ashford will continue with her studies at Willamette University in Environmental Science and Archeology. At PTHS she participated in a robotics project for derelict crab pot identification and removal, and has widened her experience to archeology in Greece, oceanography off New Zealand, and coral reef ecosystems of American Samoa. She plans a career focused on the management of coastal resources to mitigate environmental threats.

Nathaniel Ashford

$1,000 scholarship for studies at a university TBD in Mechanical Engineering & Marine Biology

Nathaniel Ashford, while at Port Townsend High School, thrived as the lead engineer in the Marine Advanced Technology Education’s underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Program. His intended career is to become a marine engineer using emerging underwater robotic technologies to further the sustainability of the maritime environment.

Zephyr Bell

$500 scholarship to a university TBD for studies in Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture

Zephyr Bell has a love for design and the water that has led him to work at the Northwest Maritime Center and sail on the PTHS sailing team. His senior project, designing an aluminum outboard speed boat, will enhance his pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering followed by marine engineering and naval architecture.

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D'Leen Betts

$1,000 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to study Sailmaking


D'Leen Betts (they/them), now a student at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, wants to continue their nautical learning through a sailmaking apprenticeship.  Already an enthusiastic student and maritime volunteer, they hope to eventually have their own sailmaking loft.

Panya Cao

$1,000 scholarship to a university TBD to study Environmental Science

 

Panya Cao plans to study Environmental Studies with a minor in Coastal Studies focusing on utilizing natural systems to counteract the effects of harmful agricultural pesticides on the ocean. An avid sailor, she is on the PTHS sailing team and is the youth representative to the board of the Port Townsend Sailing Association, advocating for more opportunities for youth sailing.

Piper Hewitt

$500 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Piper Hewitt grew up in Maine where she sailed along the New England coastline. Currently a student at the NWSWB, she hopes to start her own business and support other women to become skilled boat builders.

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Mia Nikkonen

$1,000 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Mia Nikkonen is inspired by her childhood summers in Finland where she often rowed her great uncle’s hand-crafted wooden boat. Having earned her degree in Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management, she wanted a deeper connection with nature and its resources. This scholarship will support her current studies at the NWSWB.

Emilia Ramsay

$1,000 scholarship to Duckworks Boatshop Takeover for the Boatbuilding Trade Program

Emilia Ramsay, a graduate of OCEAN K-12 and PTHS, has become the owner of Dorjun, the 26 foot gaff rigged sloop built in1905, that has been part of the NWMC fleet. She plans to use her scholarship to build a Point Hudson Dory in the NWMC’s Duckworks Boat Shop Takeover that will serve as Dorjun’s tender.

Sebastian Rogowski

$1,000 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding for the Systems Program

Sebastian Rogowski, the first in his family to pursue higher education, has graduated from the NWSWB’s Boatbuilding School and is presently enrolled in the school’s Marine Systems program. This has awakened his interest in marine electrical systems and corrosion issues in particular. His plan is to find an internship or employment in marine electronics.

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Nellie Sorenson

$1,000 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Nellie Sorenson is currently enrolled in the NWSWB boatbuilding program and wants to work in historical boat restoration and boat interiors. She hopes to eventually start her own boatbuilding restoration business and be a role model for women in the boatbuilding trades.

Hazel Windstorm

$1,000 scholarship to the Schooner Martha Training Internship

Hazel Windstorm will use her scholarship for her training internship aboard the Schooner Martha this summer.  She began sailing on Martha in fifth grade.  Now, as lead deckhand on youth sailing trips, her duties will include assisting in vessel operations, managing around six youth students on multi-day trips, and teaching them the basics of sailing and navigation.

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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