All Hands On Deck!
(When movement creates connection, something spectacular happens.)
With your hands we intend to establish a deckhand in demand program taught by the best in the maritime industry that is designed to innovate change in circumstances for underrepresented youths.
About Us
Mission
To introduce underrepresented youth to the maritime industry through specialized dockhand and deckhand training via summer employment, which efforts are designed to generate social and economic commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the industry.
Vision
To innovate change in an effort to see a thriving urban landscape where underrepresented youth have earned their independence through the “all hands on deck” initiative.
Goals
To realize our vision, we commit to implementing a holistic approach—embracing a comprehensive strategy that certifies twelve to twenty-four individuals through our proactive "all hands on deck" apprenticeship initiative. This will be accomplished via our on-the-job training program, concluding its curriculum by mid-August and underscored by a steadfast commitment to annual growth in volume from November through August.
Our Mission Is Simple
To introduce underrepresented youth to the maritime industry through specialized dockhand and deckhand training via summer employment, which efforts are designed to generate social and economic commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the industry.
All Hands On Deck
To establish a program dedicated to innovate change in circumstances dedicated to foster employment and a fresh perspective.
Be A Volunteer
Come along for the sea trial journey of it all to volunteer in all aspects of charitable giving while participating in a variety of levels of world-class boating, because the safer we are, the better we are.
Improve Quality Of Life
We aim to increase awareness of mental health and its impact on individuals' well-being with an optimistic outcome being the focus.
Our Story
Founded in 2023, WeGenZee Foundation was based on a successful model created over the course of multiple boating seasons by boat charter entrepreneur Cheryl Renee, who provided the opportunity for youths to learn and engage in preemptive deckhand tasks while working with Chez Renee Voyage. By participating, young people were able to discover an appreciation for not just the boating lifestyle, but also cultivate life skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Immersed in a hands-on learning environment, they forged strong connections with seasoned professionals, granting them a unique edge in the working world. Thereby the idea was born to establish the all hands on deck initiative that would become the foundation of this non-for-profit organization.
Our Belief
We believe that to offer a holistic support system that goes beyond employment, we can address the multifaceted needs of inner-city youth that will unlock their full potential for building a brighter more inclusive tomorrow. Through our commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, we strive to transform challenges into opportunities, while we aspire to build a resilient, interconnected community where achievements abound, and the dreams of our youth are not only realized but celebrated as integral threads in the fabric of our shared success by connecting Gen-Zs to seasoned boaters. This initiative is the conduit where connection happens, where inclusion exist and sustainable employment becomes the norm. We are committed to fostering personal growth, breaking down barriers, and cultivating positive change that will equip young individuals with the skills and support needed to build successful futures.
Our Announcement
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Start The Journey Today!
Generation Z Defined
Learn with them. Learn from them.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
As we work toward our mission of sharing our love of boating with Gen-Z’s, we acknowledge that the boat community is not as diverse as the cities around them, and that we can and should do more to make boating more accessible and inclusive for underrepresented communities.
We look forward to working hand in hand with the community to build a stronger community.
Our Programs
We offer virtual classes, workshops, simulators, safety courses, personal training, private mental coaching, mentorship, shadowing and group events to help elevate young minds.
Classes
Whether you’re seasoned in the boating environment, just getting started, or born as a boat babe, we want to take your boating skills and technique to the next level, starting with something as simple as safely tying lines around a cleat, to zipping up boat canvases along the bow and sterns of boats with the proper tools and more.
What Are You Waiting For?
FAQs
Click here to go to our enrollment page to complete the form listed herein. Click the button that says participant.
Click here to go to our enrollment page to complete the form listed herein, click the button that says Volunteer.
Click here to go to our enrollment page to complete the form listed herein, click the button that says Need Assistance.
Yes. All youth participants properly enrolled in the program will receive minimum wages for the hours worked.
WeGenZee Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. Please click this donation button for more information.
You will receive a confirmation email from us to notify you that your application was successfully received.
Applications will be reviewed every 10 days. We will email you after the first 10 days to inform you whether or not your application was selected as a recipient. Please note the estimated 10 day timeframe may change based on the volume of applications.
To apply, you must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. If 14 or 15 you must present a work permit or employment certificate obtained from your local school before we will accept your application.
Yes you can resubmit a new application.
Most issues can be resolved by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. If you continue to experience technical errors, please email us at info@wegenzee.org with a detailed description of any issue for technical support.
Our Sponsors
Donations
The WeGenZee Community Foundation raises funds to support our network, and its mission: To enhance the lives of as many underrepresented youth as possible.
Double Your Impact With Your Employer
Many companies match their employees’ charitable contributions. You can double your impact if your employer offers a matching gift program.
Tax-Deductible Donations
WeGenZee Foundation is a registered 501c3 charitable organization making your contribution tax-deductible.
Reach Out And Make A Difference
When you become a sponsor we will add your business logo to our sponsorship page. By raising funds and awareness we get to create gifting and giving all in one safe and welcoming space.
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