Scholarship
Fundraiser Cruise
You're Invited
John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarship Fundraiser Cruise, June 12, 2025
Join us for an evening of celebration and support while cruising Lake Union aboard the historic Virginia V.
Together, we’ll raise funds to support Washington State youth pursuing careers in maritime trades, sciences, or operations. Event proceeds will support the $25,000 goal for the John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarship, and all donations are tax-deductible through PSMHS-YMTA.
We are thrilled to welcome keynote speakers including:
- State Representative Greg Nance
- Honoree John Veentjer
- Future mariner Chloe Hedge-Pollock
Can’t Attend? Donate now to Support Future Maritime Professionals
Note: Space is limited, so we encourage those who would like to attend to RSVP as soon as possible.
Event Details
DATE: June 12, 2025
LOCATION: Virginia V – docked next to the Museum of History & Industry 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)
SCHEDULE:
- 4:00 PM: Boarding begins
- 4:30 PM: Departure & Welcome
- 5:00 PM: Scholarship presentations & keynote speeches
- 6:00 PM: Donations, networking, & cocktails
- 7:30 PM: Return to dock
ATTIRE: Maritime Semi-Formal (blazers welcome, no ties required!)
PARKING: Public paid parking around Lake Union – carpooling encouraged
About the Scholarship
The John Veentjer Youth Maritime Scholarship was created to honor John’s impactful career, dedicated service, and mentorship within the maritime industry. Through this scholarship, we aim to remove financial barriers to education, training, and licensing for dedicated young people pursuing maritime careers. In partnership with The Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society and its Youth Maritime Training Association (YMTA), it will provide scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to students aged 17-24 in Washington State who are passionate about entering maritime professions. Learn more about the scholarship here.
Donations
Every maritime journey looks different – your support opens multiple pathways to success for Washington’s youth and each of their unique pathways into a maritime career. All donations are tax-deductible through PSMHS-YMTA and directly fund opportunities like:
– $280 – Covers a USCG Able Seaman licensing exam; a critical step toward deckhand careers.
-$600 – Covers 1 month in the Marine Engineering Technology Program at the Seattle Maritime Academy that provides students with a Coast Guard-approved certificate upon completion and launches them directly into Washington Maritime jobs.
-$1,000 – Covers one month of tuition at Cal Maritime where cadets earn bachelor’s degrees and 90% secure industry jobs (not including books, housing or associated fees). This is comparable to other out-of-state Universities or Maritime Academies.
