Steve Hushebeck (TOFH Council), Greg Hertel (POFH Commissioner), Mike Ahrenius (POFH), Don Wick (EDASC), Victoria Compton (EDCSJ Executive Director), Ron Nelson (Island Co. EDC), Lovel Pratt (SJC Council), Melanie Drecksel (USDA Area Director)
Deadline for Scholarship Applications is July 31
On Friday, July 20, representatives of the Town of Friday Harbor (TOFH) the PORT of Friday Harbor (POFH) the Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC), Economic Development Council of the San Juan Islands l (EDCSJ), the San Juan County Council, Island County Economic Development Council (Island EDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received a check representing the $49,378. That amount will be divided among Island, Skagit and San Juan Counties for scholarships. The San Juan County award is for scholarships to the Center for Excellence in Marine Manufacturing and Technology in Anacortes. The Center is operated by Skagit Valley College.
The scholarships in career change and advancement are available to eight motivated residents of San Juan County. Recent high school graduates and those workers looking for a career change are encouraged to apply for eight (8) full scholarships to Skagit Valley College’s Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology in Anacortes.
The deadline for applications is July 31, so applicants are encouraged to apply soon.
Islanders over age 18 can attend the training courses, beginning in late August. (July 9 date on the website is in error).
Two curricula are available: Composites Technology, or Marine Propulsion. More information on the program is available here. The composites course will include the American Composite Manufacturer’s Association certification exam.
The courses require attendance Monday-Thursday for most of the day. A $150 deposit and a written commitment to complete the course is required. Transportation costs to Anacortes are not included in the scholarships.To apply for a scholarship, go to sanjuansedc.org/marine.
The grant to San Juan County residents will support the Tri-County Rural Job Skills Training & Business Education Network, created by the San Juan, Island and Skagit Counties to address the needs of the business community in the region.
Victoria Compton, Executive Director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, says, “We highly encourage recent high school graduates and workers interested in a career change to apply for these scholarships. If need be, we can help provide transportation to the Marine Technology campus in Anacortes.
“We want to get people who are really committed, because this represents significant financial support.”
The San Juan County EDC is supported through county funds, which supply 25% of its budget, state funds, which bring in 50% of its budget, and the port of Lopez and the Town of Friday Harbor.
To reach the San Juan EDC, call Victoria Compton at 360-378-2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org
