Merchants Exchange of Portland offering scholarships

The following is text of a news release from the Merchants Exchange of Portland:

(PORTLAND, Ore.) — Did you know that the U.S. maritime fleet is currently short 1,800 mariners, and the industry will need 70,000 new people by 2022, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration? With the rising cost of higher education, it is increasingly challenging for aspiring mariners to achieve the education necessary to join the industry.

The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund is here to bridge that gap. Since 2003, the fund has distributed over $46,000, supporting 39 students. The scholarship was designed to help college students seeking careers in a maritime field and/or International trade receive resources for their continued education. The scholarship is awarded to students seeking a career in the maritime industry, or with a career, that influences the maritime industry.

The scholarship is awarded to students who have a minimum 2.5 GPA (or the school’s equivalent rankings) and are currently a junior or senior academic standing enrolled in a four-year college/university; a freshman (first-year) or sophomore (second-year) at a two-year institutional degree program; or a graduate student with maritime affairs and/or international trade as their chosen field of study. To apply, applicants must complete short answer questions, provide certified academic transcripts and submit one letter of recommendation from a professor or direct supervisor.

The value of the scholarship is up to $2,000, and one to 10 scholarships are available. The application deadline is May 31.

For more information, visit www.pdxmex.com/scholarship.

By Professional Mariner Staff