FUTURES.

HANDCRAFTED.

WE NURTURE RESILIENCE.
WE BUILD COMMUNITY.


The Seaport Foundation Apprentice Program is a hands-on learning opportunity for Disconnected Youth ages 18 -23.

Since 1993, The Seaport Foundation’s Apprentice Program has used the craft of woodworking and traditional boatbuilding to deliver an immersive experience that prepare them for success in employment and in adulthood.

THE NEED

17288

High School Students projected in 2023…

85.3%

The graduation rate is projected

1037280

High School Students will drop out

15%

of all High School students have their first drink at age 13 — 10% have smoked pot

APPRENTICES & CURRICULUM


Apprentices are paid $14/hour and can expect to spend 6 to 9 months working alongside experienced woodworkers, carpenters, boatbuilders and mentors on a three-phase curriculum to gain workforce readiness skills and life skills.

This curriculum includes Workplace Readiness Skills and Life Skills…

Workplace Readiness Skills


  • Woodworking/Carpentry
  • Academic/GED Tutoring
  • Resume/Interview Training
  • Professionalism, Teamwork, and a Service Mindset

Life Skills


  • Financial Literacy/Budgeting
  • Self Esteem/Positive Habits
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Resiliency/Patience
  • Anger Management

OUR IMPACT


Most Disconnected Youth are living in family environments that are at or below the poverty line and are at a greater risk for mental health, physical and behavioral issues. Many cite a “feeling of hopelessness.”

Over the past 10-years (2013 to 2022), the intervention of the Apprenticeship Program, the Seaport Foundation seen Apprentices achieve the following:

  • Have received their high school diploma by completing a GED program.
  • Attended Community College, 4-year College or a Trade School.
  • Completed a Driving Course and received their Driver’s License.
  • Engage in full-time/part-time employment or a workforce development program.
  • Established and Independent Living Environment.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT


WHO IS THE ALEXANDRIA SEAPORT FOUNDATION? The Alexandria Seaport Foundation was founded in 1982 to preserve Alexandria’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Foundation expanded its work in 1993, when the Foundation developed its cornerstone Apprentice Program to serve disconnected youth between the age of 18 and 23.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Give of your Time, Talent, and Treasure…

Donate

Your donation allows ASF to continue to serve disconnected youth in our communities. Every dollar you give goes directly to supporting our facilities, staff, and programs. Giving is easy. You donate online or via the mail at PO Box 25036 Alexandria, VA 22313.

Volunteer

Do you have woodworking or construction skills and have some free time? Come to our Boat Shop on the Potomac waterfront and help mentor our Apprentices to develop woodworking and boat building skills. Learn about our volunteer opportunities by reading our Volunteer Application Packet.

Program Support

Do you have a background in teaching or tutoring? Come help mentor our Apprentices as they work toward receiving their GED, obtain a Driver’s License or receive Financial Literacy and Budgeting training.

EVENTS & COMMUNITY

Wine on the Water

September, 2024

Support Us Through SPRING2ACTION!

APRIL 24, 2024

OUR FUTURE


The Seaport Foundation is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its current Apprentice Program to expand the number of Apprentices served from 10 -12 to 15 – 18. This expansion includes the construction of an additional building to meet the needs of the expanded Apprentice Program. Seaport Center II, a purpose-built building is scheduled to commence construction in the Spring of 2024. This building will add an additional 3,500 square feet of workshop and meeting space. Once completed, The Seaport Foundation will have more than 5,400 square feet of space from which to deliver its Apprentice Program.

Every year The Seaport Foundation

Raises more than
$600,000 in the community

Engages over 150 volunteers who
give more than 4,500 hours

Teaches and mentors Alexandria’s highest need youth

Our goal?

To improve the futures of Apprentices and their families, strengthen the community, and improve Alexandria’s future.

OUR STORIES

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“I am changing for the better. Because of what I’m learning at the Seaport Foundation, I’m thinking of my future, and I’d like to become an electrician.”

I AM CHANGING FOR THE BETTER & THINKING OF MY FUTURE

Brian Godoy-Fuentes, Apprentice
team-_0004_Layer 7

``To me, The Seaport Foundation means hope and second chances.”

SEAPORT FOUNDATION MEANS HOPE & 2ND CHANCES

Suzanne Mead, Volunteer
team-jay

“The personal satisfaction of watching an Apprentice gain self-confidence while learning a skill and completing an assignment is all it takes for me.”

WATCHING AN APPRENTICE GAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE

Jay Creech, Volunteer
darrel

In 2016, Darrel's parole office referred him to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation where he entered the Apprenticeship Program. Today, he has a B.S. Degree in Sociology, and is a job coach for individuals with disabilities.

APPRENTICE PROGRAM BENEFITS

Darrel Brown, Volunteer