Welcome to

CMA Education Foundation

We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to the maritime industry and its future leaders

Our mission is to promote and support maritime-related education through financial assistance, events, and activities.

The CMA Education Foundation's Primary Activities Include:

Maritime Scholarships

The CMA Education Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial support to students who are excelling in maritime studies in college or graduate school and to high school seniors who are interested in pursuing such studies.

Maritime Paid Internships

The CMA Education Foundation supports the hands-on learning that occurs outside of the classroom at maritime companies.  Internship stipends are provided to students currently working as interns at domestic, maritime companies that are interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry.

Business Of Shipping Competition

The Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) and the CMA Education Foundation annually seek papers written by students attending US colleges and universities with programs and/or courses on the shipping industry.

Maritime Mentoring Program

The mentoring program was designed to match scholarship recipients with a maritime Mentor to periodically check in, offer advice, motivation, direction, coaching, support, training, and/or networking to help the student reach his or her goals.

We are Proud of our Journey!

“The creation of this charitable CMA Education Foundation strengthens CMA’s commitment to maritime education, provides an opportunity for growth in outreach and meaningful financial support, and ensures a self- sustaining future. This endeavor has been 27 years in the making, and I am thrilled to see it become a reality. Each member of CMA should be equally as proud.

– Beth Wilson-Jordan
Former CMA President 2008-2012,
current Executive Director, CMA Education Foundation

A Bit of Our History

From its founding in 1984, the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) has always supported maritime-related education.

In recent years, the CMA Education Foundation has distributed approximately $50,000 per annum in the form of scholarships and internship subsidies.

The CMA Education Foundation, established in Sept. 2010 as a separate legal entity, assumed the CMA’s education mandate. As a tax-exempt entity, the Foundation is building upon the strong base and traditions that the CMA built. The Foundation aims to expand and improve the pre-existing education programs, as well as fund/establish new programs, through increased fundraising.

Learn more about us

460

Scholarships Awarded

198

Internship Stipends

13

Years Serving the Maritime Industry

We Need Your Support!

We need your financial support to continue our mission and increase the level of financial assistance that we provide to the maritime community!

We receive one-time or annual support from individuals and companies throughout the maritime industry. Donations can be made by credit card, check or by  donating gifts of securities (stock, bonds, and mutual funds). Remember to check with your employer about matching gift programs!

We are Passionate and We Love our Community

Take a look to some of the events and work we do for our Maritime Community
Business of Shipping 2024 Winners

Business of Shipping 2024 Winners

April 26, 2024

Spring Splash 2023

Spring Splash 2023

May 29, 2023

Business of Shipping 2023 Winners

Business of Shipping 2023 Winners

March 19, 2023

High School Maritime Career day

High School Maritime Career day

March 10, 2023

CMA Summer Picnic 2022

CMA Summer Picnic 2022

July 14, 2022

CMA Education Foundation, Celebrating its 10th Anniversary

CMA Education Foundation, Celebrating its 10th Anniversary

An Event hosted by the CMA Education Foundation

The Love we get from our Community is Priceless

Here are a few words from our students, donors, host companies and members of the maritime community

In a summer of many cancelled or remote internships, I was ecstatic to receive an offer that was in person and for the duration of the summer.

Internat Charles R. Weber Company

It was an immersive and engaging experience that taught me new skills and introduced me to the world of shipping. I was able to use my finance and accounting experience and apply it to a new frontier for me. It has left me with a newfound appreciation and interest for the maritime industry.

Internat Northern Shipping Funds

I have learned a multitude of knowledge about the marine environment, shipping industry and conservation that will help me be a better environmental steward.

Internat NAMEPA

I may now say with certainty that my initial interest to get involved in the maritime industry has been reinforced and grown to a lifetime career mission with confidence and passion for the subject.

Internat Trycon Enterprises

This [intern] experience has been extremely beneficial and has helped me improve upon what I have learned in school by connecting it to the business world.

Internat Fairfield Chemical Carriers
Video ©2022 Jonathan Atkin;
Courtesy licensed to CMA Educational Foundation.
Additional distribution by license only from Jonathan.

If you can see it, you can shoot it

CMA member, Jonathan Atkin produces compelling photography for the maritime community. Splicing meticulous planning, seafaring experience and industry knowledge, to an anchor line of photographic expertise and helicopter nuance, his images ring the ship’s bell of visual clarity.”

Please visit his websites:
www.shipshooter.com
www.heroproject.us

Email: Jonathan@shipshooter.com

The CMA EF is grateful to him for allowing us to share it.