International Yacht Restoration School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) website
Heartfelt Thanks for Your Support of the IYRS Antigua Scholarship Program
On behalf of the IYRS Antigua Scholarship Program, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution is a vital part of this effort to empower the next generation of marine industry professionals in Antigua, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to this transformative initiative.
About the Program:
The IYRS Antigua Scholarship Program, is led by the International Yacht Restoration School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association (ABYMA) and other local organizations in Antigua. This effort has grown out of a demonstrated demand for talent in the growing Antigua marine services industry. This scholarship program provides talented individuals from Antigua the opportunity to attend IYRS, where they receive the education and industry certifications needed to excel in marine industry.
The IYRS Marine Systems program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on training necessary for the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of sail and powerboat systems. They are guided by industry standards from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), and Yamaha. Students graduate with multiple industry certifications, including ABYC Marine Electrical Advisor and Yamaha’s Portable Maintenance Certification, among others.
Success to Date:
The first graduate of this program, Ishmael Auguiste, is currently employed in Antigua and has shared how life-changing the program has been. As Ishmael says:
“Before I left Antigua, I would roam the docks looking for work, with no one really taking my interest and knowledgebase seriously. I got the opportunity through the IYRS Antigua Scholarship Program to attend the school and get certified in Marine Systems, including 8 industry certificates. Upon my return, my whole life changed, and I had active job offers immediately. This program helped me find a career and transformed my life. I am thrilled to be working in the marine trades and supporting my home community.” — Ishmael Auguiste, IYRS Marine Systems 2024
Ishmael also adds:
“I strongly believe in the continued investment in Antiguan students pursuing marine studies. Such opportunities are vital not only for individual growth but for the development of our nation and its marine industry. Expanding access to this kind of education will greatly benefit our community.”
As of March 2025, two more Antigua students will begin the program, marking another milestone in our mission to support the growth of the Antigua marine industry.
The Path Forward:
The total cost of the Marine Systems six-month program, including travel, tuition, supplies, room and board, and related expenses, is approximately USD $45,000 per student. As you know, we aim to raise sufficient funds to cover these costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from participating.
Thank you for your help:
As a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit organization in the United States, IYRS accepts direct donations to the scholarship program. If you are able to support future students, below please send donations to:
Secure Online Giving Link:
https://www.iyrs.edu/give/make-a-gift
Postal Mail:
IYRS School of Technology & Trades
449 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840
EIN#: for security purposes this will be provided upon request as needed.
Electronic Funds Transfer to IYRS
For security purposes this will be provided upon request as needed.
We are immensely grateful for the early support from individuals like you, and we invite you to share this opportunity with others who may wish to contribute to this cause. If you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting the program, please feel free to refer them to us. Additionally, our team is available to answer any questions, and we encourage you to connect with the founding scholarship program members—Steve Glascock, Bob Osborn, and Bob Farley—who have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. We have also included IYRS President Kern Maass and Liz Isdale would also be happy to answer any questions and facilitate your support.
Steve Glascock
Chairman of the
IYRS Board of Trustees
Robert Osborn
IYRS Ambassador
Robert Farley
IYRS Ambassador
Once again, thank you for your generosity and commitment to empowering the next generation of marine professionals. Together, we are ensuring that the future of the marine industry in Antigua is bright and sustainable.
Warm regards,
Kern Maass
President of IYRS
(e) kmaass@iyrs.edu
Liz Isdale
IYRS Director of Philanthropy
(e) Lisdale@iyrs.edu
International Yacht Restoration School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) website
