The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 scholarships and educational awards. Since 2006, the MTA/NJ Education Foundation has awarded over $25,000 to deserving students and has provided over $10,000 towards marine education and training for members.
The MTA/NJ Boating Industry Scholarship is offered to a student pursuing a career in the recreational boating industry, as one of the goals of the MTA/NJ Foundation is to provide financial support dedicated to growing the recreational marine trades’ workforce in New Jersey.
The MTA/NJ Boating Industry Scholarship, valued at $1,500, was presented to Jacob Glantzman of Allenwood. Jacob has already gained industry experience working at Bogan’s Deep Sea Fishing Center in Brielle, aboard the River Belle and River Queen party cruise boats and the Paramount and Jamaica fishing vessels. He will attend the United States Merchant Marine academy in the fall where he plans to study shipyard management and marine engineering, and eventually return to take over the family business in Brielle.
The MTA/NJ Family Scholarship, valued at $1,500, is open to MTA/NJ members’ children and their employees’ children and can be applied to any higher education program. The MTA/NJ Family Scholarship was created in 2014 to give back to our members who generously support the Foundation and help students achieve their educational and career goals. The 2020 MTA/NJ Family Scholarship was awarded to Evan DeSousa of Oceanport. Evan will begin his freshman year at James Madison University this fall with a likely focus in business studies. Evan’s father Brian DeSousa is President of Bay Agency Insurance Group in Rumson.
In addition, the Automotive Training Center in Warminster, Pennsylvania sponsored a half scholarship to their Marine Technician Program that the MTA/NJ administers and promotes. The recipient of the Automotive Training Center scholarship was Connor Davis of Point Pleasant. Connor is graduating from Point Pleasant Borough High School as well as Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Marine Service Technology program. After completing his educational training, Connor plans to become a marine technician.
The MTA/NJ also awarded an outstanding student award for the purchase of tools for the trade to Joseph Carchietta from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Joseph completed the Marine Service Technology program and is graduating from Manchester High School. He earned a Bronze medal at the 2020 SkillsUSA Marine Service Technology state competition held at the Atlantic City Boat Show. Joe is on a Cooperative Industrial Education (CIE) program through OCVTS and has spent most of his senior year working at Green Cove Marina in Brick. Joe plans to further his education and prepare for a future in the marine industry by attending Automotive Training Center in PA for the marine or diesel program.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has contributed to and continues to support the MTA/NJ Education Foundation,” stated MTA/NJ Executive Director, Melissa Danko. “Through the Foundation, we are able to support our members by providing scholarships and student awards as well as funding for education, training, and certifications to grow and expand our workforce. We hope to continue to grow the Foundation and further expand our support of the boating industry in New Jersey.”
For more information about the MTA/NJ Foundation or to make a donation, contact the MTA/NJ office at 732-292-1051 or email info@mtanj.org.
