Alexandria Seaport Foundation

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission “to help and empower young people who are at risk or underserved to achieve academic success and build self-confidence and job skills, through adult mentoring and project-based learning centered around the traditional crafts of designing, building and using wooden boats.” Founded in 1982 to preserve Alexandria’s maritime heritage, ASF expanded its work in 1993 when the Foundation developed and implemented its cornerstone job training program for at-risk young adults, the Boatbuilding Apprenticeship Program. With 22 years of experience using project-based learning to teach job skills, academic skills, and additional soft skills to disadvantaged young people, ASF has expanded beyond its cornerstone program to develop other project-based learning programs for at-risk youth.