Apprentice Program Highlighted in Forbes Magazine
We are thrilled to be highlighted in Forbes.com! Take a few moments to read about how we’re meeting needs during COVID.
A Time-Honored Trade is Keeping Youth Afloat During COVID-19
COVID-19 Information
In keeping with Phase 3 of Virginia’s public health requirements, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation has reopened the Seaport Center for apprentice learning. Our staff members and board chair have completed the Alexandria Health Department’s ALX Promise training, and we are implementing strict social distancing, wearing of masks, and daily health and temperature checks of all staff, apprentices, and volunteers.
For everyone’s safety, we are not accepting visitors to the Seaport Center at this time.
We continue to teach our apprentices the lessons of patience, resilience, self-care, and keeping perspective in this time of adversity. We also teach them to reflect on what they have and can give back to support community–everyone has something they can contribute. We ask you to give what you can to support our ongoing work.
Crafting Futures
With patience, time, and support, we equip our Apprentices with the skills and confidence they need to handcraft a new life.
Making an Impact
When our Apprentices succeed, they change their lives, improve their families, and impact our whole community.
Our Maritime History
The Seaport Foundation is a partner in highlighting Alexandria’s history as a “Port City” on the Potomac.
Join Our Crew!
Get involved with a group that’s making a difference for young people! We have volunteer opportunities for everyone.
A Safe Haven in Which to Grow
The Need:
4.9 million youth ages 16-22 are neither in school nor employed (The Opportunity Index, 2017)
73% of Seaport Foundation apprentices are court involved, not ready to work
For every unemployed youth, the value of lost wages, lost tax revenue, and added spending on social services costs $36,000 annually in Washington, DC.
The Seaport Foundation Response:
A safe haven where youth can heal, grow, and become job-ready
Teachers and mentors who both challenge and nurture Apprentices
A guided path to new skills and a personally crafted future
The Ripple Effect
Every year The Seaport Foundation:
Raises more than $450,000 in the community
Engages over 150 volunteers who give more than 4,500 hours
Teaches and mentors Alexandria’s highest need youth
Our goal? To improve the futures of Apprentices and their families, strengthen the community, and improve Alexandria’s future.
Seaport Foundation Stories
Watching an Apprentice gain self-confidence
“The personal satisfaction of watching an Apprentice gain self-confidence while learning a skill and completing an assignment is all it takes for me.”
Apprentices all have interesting stories
“Our apprentices all have interesting stories, and I feel very privileged to be able to share some of my life skills to enhance their lives.”
The Seaport Foundation means hope and second chances
"To me, The Seaport Foundation means hope and second chances.”
The Seaport Foundation changes lives in big ways
“The Seaport Foundation changes lives in big ways, and everyone has something they can offer to help.”
I am changing for the better.
“I am changing for the better. Because of what I’m learning at the Seaport Foundation, I’m thinking of my future, and I’d like to become an electrician.”