The University of Alaska Southeast is creating a new scholarship to help train a new generation of marine transportation employees.
The Captain Michael A. Clinkscales Maritime Scholarship will provide funds for students to complete coursework needed for careers in the maritime industry.
Mike “Clink” Clinkscales was a former sea pilot who was known to encourage others to pursue careers in maritime trades, according to a press release from UAS.
“Mike was a gentleman sailor who was generous with his family, friends and those less fortunate than him,” Diana Chuadhary, a Ketchikan mariner and former adjunct professor at UAS’ Ketchikan campus, said in the release. “He was rightfully proud of his journey up the hawsepipe and hopefully this scholarship will encourage others to embark on a similar career path.”
A Hawsepiper is a maritime industry term for someone who works their way up through the industry without any formal education, according to the website for the S.S. John Brown museum in Baltimore.
Sea pilots raised more than $38,000 in Clinkscales’ memory, and the endowment will be able to provide a minimum $1,000 annual scholarship in perpetuity. Classes offered by UAS are U.S. Coast Guard approved and they offer hands-on waterfront experience.
Students can earn occupational endorsements or two-year Associate Degrees in maritime industries. More information about courses can be found at the website for UAS’ Ketchikan Maritime Training Center.
Donations can be made to the scholarship fund by going to engage.alaska.edu/UAS or by texting CLINK to 41444.
Students enrolled in maritime courses can apply for the scholarship at alaska.academicworks.com.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at 523-2228 or psegall@juneauempire.com.
