Evergreen Goodwill internship aims to get youth into the maritime industry

Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Maritime Program is entering its third year and Youth Maritime Manager Davena Grayson says the program is experiencing major growth and making an impact of the lives of youth.

“The kids who have started our program have really taken a liking to it,” Grayson said. “They've started to really enjoy it because they've been exposed to that world.”

Grayson says getting kids interested is the biggest hurdle, but those who have made the jump are finding out that the program is about more than just the maritime field. Through the program, kids have gotten support in getting their drivers license, tutoring, school supplies and more. Grayson says it’s important to her that the youth remains the priority.

“We make sure that we're there for them mentally, you know, with their mental health,” Grayson said. “We're also trying to get them licenses, my goal is to get all the interns in swimming lessons and then from there get them a lifeguard certification. That way, they can always have that and they can be able to work outside of the program.”

The two-year program begins in the students junior or senior year of high school, and follows that student through their first year of college should they attend. Grayson says that getting these kids into higher education and broadening their horizons is another focus.

“The point is really to help kids that need the assistance from us,” Grayson said. “Anything we can do to aid them and help them transition from being a child to an adult and working in the adult world is great. We are really big on getting any kind of services we can for the kids.”

It’s a support system which has helped many youth grow and thrive through their experiences.

“The staff here is still talking to a lot of the kids after the actual program ends, and those kids are like, ‘You helped me so much that first year. You taught me so much, you looked up and you found the resources that I needed.’,” Grayson said. “I can tell it's been really helpful. Also just working with college students, just being that support system when they feel like they’re alone, has been beneficial for the kids.”

The deadline to apply for this year is December 31st. You can find out more information on the program and application process here