All Hands On Deck!
Secure Donation
With your help we’re building a movement that grows from one city, one block, one dock, to marinas everywhere.
Enroll Here
Fill out the application form as an intern or a volunteer and start helping us build a lasting legacy of change.
About Us
Mission
To introduce underrepresented youth to the maritime industry through specialized dockhand and deckhand training via summer employment.
Vision
Our vision is to see thriving urban landscapes where underrepresented youth rise as empowered leaders, chart their own course, and build a lasting legacy of change.
Goals
We are committed to a comprehensive, hands-on approach that empowers typically 8–12 interns to earn certification through our dynamic “All Hands on Deck” apprenticeship initiative. By combining real-world experience with structured on-the-job training, we prepare youth with the well-rounded skills they need to thrive, guided by a summer curriculum (June–August) and a fall curriculum (October–December).
From One Dock to a Movement!
Together, we scale change through collaboration, empowering marina docks to grow into thriving franchise hubs that uplift youth foundations worldwide. Through collaborative workshops and dockside sessions, we build bridges by boat; charting these waters together with an “all hands on deck” commitment to sail toward a stronger, safer future. Begin your session by Signing up your foundation interns in a one-day boat safety session.
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 true impact goes beyond employment. By connecting Gen Z youth with seasoned boaters, we provide holistic support that empowers, includes, and uplifts. Our mission is to turn challenges into opportunities, foster growth, and break down barriers—so inner-city youth can build successful futures, celebrate their achievements, and shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Announcement
Generation Z Defined
Learn with them. Learn from them.
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 you working hand in hand with us to build a stronger community.
Programs
Virtual Classes
Personal Training
Workshops
Mental Coaching
Simulators
Mentorship
Safety Courses
Group Events
Video Gallery
Impact Videos
We're Certified!
Meet Our Sponsors
Secure Donations
With your help we’re building a movement that grows from one city, one block, one dock, to marinas everywhere.
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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.
Questions Here
Send us a message and we will be happy to answer all your questions. All fields are mandatory.
