The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of their 2026 Education Scholarships. Since 2006, the MTA/NJ Education Foundation has awarded over $40,000 to deserving students and has provided nearly $15,000 towards training programs for members and tools and equipment for schools. This year, three exceptional students have been selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants.
Facilitated through the MTA/NJ, the Automotive Training Center (ATC) in Warminster, Pennsylvania sponsored a half scholarship to their Marine Technician Program. The recipient of the Automotive Training Center scholarship was Allison Derrick of Manville, NJ. Derrick has graduated from Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School with a concentration in Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology. After her schooling at ATC, she will pursue a career as a Marine Diesel Technician.
There were two recipients selected to receive the MTA/NJ Boating Industry Scholarship, valued at $1,500. 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 winners were Jack Kennedy of Brick and Nicholas Scalabrini of Point Pleasant.
Kennedy is a graduate of Brick Memorial High School and has already gained experience in the marine industry, serving multiple roles including gas attendant and yard laborer at Comstock Marina. He hopes to combine a passion for engineering with his hands-on marina experience by pursuing a career designing ports, docks, and other waterfront infrastructure that strengthens the boating community.
Scalabrini has graduated from Point Pleasant Boro High School and will continue his education at SUNY Maritime College. He is pursuing a career in the marine industry, building on his hands-on experience servicing marine propulsion systems, earning Yamaha certifications, and working aboard offshore sportfishing vessels. His ultimate goal is to operate a private sportfishing business.
“The future of our industry depends on investing in the next generation of marine professionals,” said Melissa Danko, Executive Director of the MTA/NJ. “We are proud to support these students as they build the skills, knowledge, and experience that will strengthen New Jersey’s recreational boating industry for years to come.”
Established in 1972, MTA/NJ is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, advancing, and protecting the recreational marine industry and waterways in the State of New Jersey.
For more information about the MTA/NJ Foundation or to make a donation, please contact the MTA/NJ office at 732-292-1051 or email info@mtanj.org.
