PCC Hands Out 7 Grants and Scholarships

The Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers has awarded 7 grants and scholarships through the organization’s Barbara Schwantes Fund. Barbara Schwantes served as the first PCC executive secretary, helping the organization to grow from concept to reality. Following her passing, the PCC initiated a memorial fund in her name for worthy marine projects.

The PCC’s Barbara Schwantes Fund (BSF) provides up to $1,000 to individuals and organizations for one-year academic scholarships or project grants. Scholarships are awarded to qualified individuals intending to enroll in a post-secondary program in a marine-related field, from science to boatbuilding. Project grants are to encourage the initiation or continuation of projects that aim to improve water and waterfront environments, support boating education and safety, and promote the recreational and commercial boating industry.

The recipients of the 2026 grants and scholarships are:

Georgia Strait Alliance-Clean Marine BC program, which aims to reduce the impacts of recreational boating on the environment through education and boater outreach, and an award-winning eco-certification program.

Port of Toledo(OR) Boathouse for the purchase of kayaks for their free family boating program

Port Townsend (WA) Maritime Academy/West Sound Tech Satellite Skill Center to enable 20 students to take AMSEA Drill Conductor training, teaching maritime safety and emergency response.

San Francisco (CA) Recreation and Parks Department India Basin Waterfront Park, for their community outreach program

South Whidbey (WA) Yacht Club to support their Youth Sailing Association

Hadley Glidden to further her studies at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Townsend, WA

Chaston Gundmunson to pursue studies in Marine Engineering Technology at the Maine Maritime Academy

Each applicant submitted a proposal describing their academic pursuits or their educational program, and PCC’s grant committee selected the awardees. The application period opens in January each year, with awards announced in early spring. For more information, visit www.PCCharbormasters.org.