Our Complete Story

How we bridge the gap between young people, opportunity, and the skilled trades

Creating real-world opportunities that spark interest, build confidence, and open doors to meaningful careers

Our Origin Story

It Started With a Simple Observation

The Seaside Toolbox Academy was founded by Seaside Plumbing, a Maryland-based company that has spent over 20 years training and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. After years of hosting in-house apprenticeships, school visits, and hands-on training sessions, it became clear there was a greater need: a nonprofit committed to workforce development, educational outreach, and community impact. Thus, the Seaside Toolbox Academy was born—bridging the gap between young people, opportunity, and the skilled trades.

Our Leadership

Our Board of Directors brings together passionate leaders in business, trades, and education:

Shaina Adkins

Executive Director

Shaina serves as the Executive Director of Seaside Toolbox Academy, bringing more than a decade of experience in fundraising, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. A lifelong resident of the Lower Shore, she has led initiatives generating nearly $2 million in revenue and built strong relationships throughout the community. Driven by a deep passion for workforce development and the skilled trades, Shaina combines strategic vision with a results-focused approach to advance the Academy’s mission and expand opportunities across Delmarva.

“Our community is full of potential. Sometimes all someone needs is a chance, a mentor, or a moment of hands-on discovery to see what they’re capable of.”

Lauren Martin

Board President & Founder

CPA | Business Operations Expert | Workforce Development Advocate

Lauren brings a strong background in business and accounting to Seaside Plumbing, where she plays a pivotal role in the company’s operational and financial management. With an exceptional eye for organization and efficiency, she transformed the business’s early systems into a solid, sustainable foundation. Over time, Lauren developed a deep appreciation for the plumbing industry, combining her business expertise with a genuine passion for supporting the company’s mission and growth. Her leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen Seaside Plumbing’s culture and long-term success.

“We’re not just training plumbers—we’re creating pathways to economic mobility and community strength.”

Josh Martin

Board Vice President

Master Plumber | 20+ Years Training Experience

Plumbing with over 20 years of experience training apprentices, managing field operations, and championing the value of blue-collar careers. Josh is committed to building a sustainable, dignified path into the trades for future generations.

“Every student who discovers they’re capable of more than they imagined reminds me why we do this work.”

Katherine Klosek

Secretary

Public Policy Leader | Education Innovation Expert

Public policy leader and nationally recognized advocate for education and workforce innovation. Katherine brings a strong background in nonprofit strategy, program development, and impact measurement. Her work centers on breaking systemic barriers and increasing access to opportunity for underrepresented communities.

“The Seaside Toolbox Academy proves that the right combination of practical training and genuine care can transform communities.”

Together, they guide the organization with experience, heart, and a shared commitment to changing lives through skilled trades.

Our Mission in Action

Our mission is to equip individuals with both the technical know-how and essential life skills needed to succeed in the trades—while actively engaging our community through outreach and hands-on experiences. We believe in creating real-world opportunities that spark interest, build confidence, and open doors to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

What We Believe

Every person deserves access to meaningful work

Whether you’re 16 and exploring career options or 60 and seeking a new direction, we believe in meeting you where you are and helping you discover what’s possible.

Skills + Character = Success.

Technical competency matters, but so do reliability, problem-solving, and pride in your work. We develop both.

Real-world learning works.

You can’t learn plumbing from a textbook. Our students work on actual projects, solve genuine problems, and see the immediate impact of their skills.

How We're Different

We Come to You

Our mobile skills lab brings professional-grade training directly to schools, community centers, and events. No barriers, no excuses—just opportunity delivered.

Learning Through Service

Our Plumbing Relief Program provides real training opportunities while serving families facing financial hardship. Students learn by helping their neighbors.

Industry-Connected

With 20+ years in the plumbing industry, we don't just teach skills—we open doors. Our graduates enter the workforce with established connections and proven competencies.

Results-Driven

High job placement rate isn't just a statistic—it represents individual lives changed and families lifted. We measure success by the careers we launch.

The Challenges We're Addressing

Leaks in the Pipeline: Understanding the Workforce Shortage.

While four-year college enrollment has increased, Maryland faces a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. The numbers tell the story:

The Opportunity Youth Challenge

Nationally, 269 million young people are not in employment, education, or training. In Maryland alone, thousands of capable young adults face barriers to traditional pathways while desperately needed careers in the skilled trades go unfilled.

We’re the bridge between these two realities.

Our Programs: Education That Works

Perfect for: Schools, community events, career fairs

Mobile Skills Lab & School Outreach

Description: Our state-of-the-art mobile lab transforms any classroom into a hands-on learning environment. Students work with the same tools and techniques used by working professionals, discovering career possibilities they never knew existed.
Who it serves: Bringing professional training directly to you
How to request a visit: Click on learn more

Perfect for: Hands-on experience, community impact

Plumbing Relief Program

Description: When families face plumbing emergencies they can’t afford, our students provide professional service under expert supervision. Real problems, real solutions, real learning.

Who it serves: Training students while serving neighbors

Eligibility:

Perfect for: Administrators, counselors, teachers

Plumbing Foundations Training Program

Description: We work directly with educators to integrate skilled trades exploration into existing curricula, providing everything from career day presentations to full semester programs.

Who it serves: Comprehensive trade education for your district

Perfect for: Administrators, counselors, teachers

Future Foundation Training

Interested In Helping us add a trade for training ? Reach out !

Our Vision for the Future

A future where every individual has access to life-changing trade education and meaningful work—regardless of background or circumstance.

Expanding Opportunity

While we started with plumbing, our vision extends to all skilled trades. Future programs will include:

HVAC Systems, Electrical, Green Energy Technology and Beyond

Growing Our Reach

By 2027, we aim to:

Serve 10,000+ students annually through all programs

Partner with 50+ Maryland schools and community organizations

Establish permanent training facilities in three Maryland regions

Launch an employer partnership network with guaranteed job pathways

Building a Movement

Our ultimate goal isn’t just training individuals—it’s changing how Delmarva thinks about career pathways, economic opportunity, and the value of skilled work.