Marathon Petroleum continues investment in AVTEC maritime education

Feb. 25, 2026
No. 26-4

SEWARD — The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) is pleased to celebrate its continued partnership with Marathon Petroleum through a contribution to support student scholarships and maritime training programs.

AVTEC Director Dr. Cory Ortiz shared this about the unique partnership:

"Marathon Petroleum's partnership reflects a deep commitment to Alaska's people and economy," said Cory Ortiz, Ph.D., Director of AVTEC. “Their investments have modernized our training technology, expanded access for students, and directly strengthened the maritime workforce that serves communities across our state."

Since 2018, Marathon Petroleum has played a foundational role in advancing workforce development through AVTEC's Maritime Training Center through major capital investments and ongoing scholarship support. Over the years, their cumulative investment of more than $200,000 helped to modernize AVTEC's maritime simulator and instructional technology.

"Maritime education supports many industries in Alaska," said Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Cathy Muñoz. "The Department is grateful to Marathon Petroleum for their long-term support for student success and career and technical education in Alaska."

These funds enabled the transition from legacy analog bridge systems to fully digital bridge consoles. Upgrades included touchscreen computer systems, helm and throttle controls, azimuth drive controls, tugboat winch controls, and simulator software enhancements. The investment also supported oil spill response training vessels, projector system upgrades, and critical battery-backup infrastructure.

Marathon Petroleum's support expanded in November 2022 to include direct scholarship funding for students enrolled in AVTEC maritime programs. These scholarships reduce financial barriers and allow students to focus on completing rigorous credential training and entering high-demand maritime careers. Additional scholarship investments in prior years have helped cover tuition, books, assessments, and training costs for students pursuing credentials such as Basic Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC), Able Seaman (AB), and Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW). Since the inception of the scholarship initiative, more than 30 students have received direct financial support. Most recently, in the fall of 2025, 10 students enrolled in Able Seaman and related maritime programs were awarded Mariner Scholarships to support their studies.

AVTEC looks forward to building on this impactful partnership in the years ahead as both organizations continue to share a common goal: strengthening Alaska’s maritime workforce and creating opportunity for Alaskans across the state.

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