IYRS School of Technology & Trades participates for first time in 401 Gives on 4/1

Newport, R.I. - IYRS School of Technology & Trades will, for the first time, participate in 401 Gives which brings people together to make a difference for local nonprofits throughout the state. Participating in this event will help IYRS continue to provide education to students seeking to learn the marine trades or advanced technologies.  

“IYRS is a resource for the community, whether we’re providing scholarships to career changers, offer training to companies looking to upskill employees, or opening our doors to the public for workshops or other events throughout the year,” said Liz Isdale, director of philanthropy for IYRS.  

According to Polaris MEP’s, 2022 State of RI Manufacturing Study, over 90 percent of Rhode Island manufacturers indicated that they needed access to qualified workers in order to drive growth. IYRS is helping to solve this challenge for local businesses.  

IYRS offers four full-time programs: Boatbuilding & Restoration, Composites Technology, Digital Modeling & Fabrication and Marine Systems. All full-time IYRS programs include an externship as part of the curriculum so that IYRS graduates leave with skills that they’ve applied in a workplace setting. 

“IYRS prides itself on supporting nontraditional learners and helping them develop skills to launch great careers,” said IYRS President Kern Maass. “Our outcomes, like our 85% graduation rate, and 85% graduation rate, lead the career education space.” 

In 2024, 90 percent of students had jobs upon graduation. Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. Those interested in supporting IYRS during 401 Gives can visit iyrs.edu for more information.  

About IYRS School of Technology & Trades 

IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a non-profit, post-secondary experiential learning institution in Newport, Rhode Island and is the premier marine trades and modern manufacturing school in the United States. IYRS was founded in 1993 as the International Yacht Restoration School on the Newport harbor front. Since that time, IYRS has grown into a world-class learning institution offering four full-time, ACCSC-accredited programs. IYRS offers education & training programs for people with a passion for thinking and working with their hands. IYRS students go on to careers across a wide range of industries including marine, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, wind energy, and composites. For more information, visit iyrs.edu or visit us on Facebook @IYRS.Training.Programs, Instagram @iyrsedu, or LinkedIn at linkedin.com/school/iyrs-school-of-technology-&-trades.