Make a Difference Now.
Join us at this critical moment to sustain a school that preserves craft, strengthens our maritime economy, and changes lives.
You can make a difference. Give to show that skilled trades matter, now and always.
Clare Warner, Alum 2024
Clare Warner, now over a year since graduating and into her career at Schooner Creek Boat Works, is nearing completion of her first full boat build. From bare hull to ocean-bound vessel, she’s gaining hands-on experience, collaborating with a skilled team, and doing the kind of meaningful work she set out to pursue.
Demian Detweiler, Alum 2019 & 2020
Demian Detweiler was hired at the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-Op after graduating from the Boatbuilding Program in 2019 and the Marine Systems Program in 2020. Five years after graduating, Demian continues his career at the Co-op and puts his skills to work on a range of projects that leverage his combination of woodworking and systems expertise.
Ned Flash, Alum 2021
Ned Flash, a 2021 graduate, started his career as a Marine Rigger at CSR Marine in Seattle. Four years after graduating, Ned continues his career with CSR Marine and recently stepped into the role of Head Rigger. He credits the Boat School with helping him build strong technical skills and industry connections, and he continues to grow through both major refit projects and the everyday work that keeps boats sailing.
Korey Ruben, Alum 2014
Korey Ruben graduated from the Boatbuilding Program in 2014 and spent time working in both composites and traditional boatbuilding before coming back to teach as a Boatbuilding Instructor at NWSWB. Fourteen years after starting his own journey at the Boat School, he loves that he gets to build things every day and finds new ways to share what he’s learned with students. Each day is a new challenge and an opportunity to figure out something new.
For 44 years, the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB) has transformed students into confident, competent, problem-solving craftspeople—ready to fuel the maritime trades and beyond.
Today, the Boat School needs your help.
Like many trade and technical schools, tuition only covers a portion of our operating costs. We strive to keep programs affordable and available because our students come from all walks of life—career changers, veterans, local residents, and aspiring craftspeople from across the country.
But that commitment to accessibility leaves an annual gap that must be filled to keep our mission strong.
Please join us at this critical moment and make a gift today.
A Message From a Supporter
“I believe in this organization, and in the value we bring to our students and community. My family has decided to donate an additional $5,000 dollars this year, which for our household is a significant amount. I give because I believe deeply in this work. I believe in the students who come here ready to build a new path for themselves. And I believe in this community, in people like you, who understand why the Boat School matters.”