ABYC Foundation charity appeal supports tech schools in need

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The ABYC Foundation is partnering with BRP Evinrude in a special December donation campaign to fund two outboard engines to marine technology classrooms. The ABYC Foundation is seeking donations to reach $7,000 per outboard to ensure delivery to schools in need of essential hands-on student training opportunities. The marine industry is suffering a shortage of technicians and this campaign will fulfill an educational need while helping young students pursue successful careers as marine technicians.

One 75hp Evinrude E-Tech engine will be donated to the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Career-Tech Center (TBAISD) and used to train students for a career in the Traverse City, Michigan area. One 40hp Evinrude E-Tech engine will be donated to the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School (UANY). This engine will be used on a student-built Phil Bolger designed 18-foot Diablo Grande. BRP Evinrude will ship the engines with all the trimmings for installation by the students.

“We are so excited to have been given such an incredible opportunity by ABYC to receive this 75hp Evinrude Outboard Motor which will give our students the opportunity to work on the latest marine motor technology and better equip them to become certified technicians,” says Patrick Lamb, principal of the TBAISD Career-Tech Center. “This will help with overall training and preparation of our students to support our business and industry partners.”

The outboard donations are a part of the ABYC Foundation’s end of year campaign, “Project: Change a Life and Support Boating’s Future.” Each week in the month of December, a new donation opportunity is highlighted, focusing on helping marine technical programs across the country with much needed resources including outboards, textbooks and quality curriculum.

“ABYC is and has always been an essential and fundamental component of the Marine Systems Technology CTE program at Urban Assembly New York Harbor School,” said Brendan Malone, marine systems technology teacher at the UANY Harbor School. “Our entire curriculum is based on the Marine Trades curriculum, the Marine Service assessment, and other educational materials prepared by ABYC.”

To donate and help the ABYC Foundation support aspiring marine technicians, visit www.abycinc.org/foundation.