Photo, from left: Holly Boyle, Piping Design Apprentice; Calixto Mesterhazy, Structural Design Apprentice; Michael McNeil, Structural Design Apprentice; Victoria Edwards, Piping Design Apprentice; Erick Cushman (D408), EBMA Tutoring Program Coordinator.
In 2013, the Electric Boat Management Association (EBMA) kick-started a community outreach initiative to assist middle and high school students in surrounding communities. To date, over 100 EBMA members have volunteered their time to be a mentor, tutor and role model to local students through the Volunteer Tutoring Program.
To get the program on its feet, the EBMA worked closely with school administrators to develop guidelines, and first tested the program in the Old Lyme school district. In the first year, volunteers were tutoring students in Old Saybrook, Lyme, Old Lyme, East Lyme and Waterford. The program has since taken off, with tutors providing assistance to students throughout Southeastern Connecticut and Southwest Rhode Island. Schools that wish to support the program are provided with a list of tutors, subjects they will teach, towns they will support and contact information.
The process for connecting with a tutor is easy. A student’s parent or guardian contacts their school guidance counselor to receive a list of tutors that support their town. The parent or guardian can then contact a tutor of their choice and arrange a session. Sessions typically take place in the student’s home where a parent or guardian is present. If the tutoring session takes place elsewhere, a parent or guardian should remain in the vicinity. Tutors make use of student’s notes and textbooks to better understand subject matter, and can assist students with studying for an upcoming exam, homework, or helping them better grasp a particular subject. To ensure the program is continuously monitored, tutors submit a report after each tutoring session to both the school (upon request) and the EBMA board. All tutoring sessions are free and available to all Electric Boat employees and their families.
While the EBMA is primarily focused on management development, their secondary goal is to foster community activities, establishing and improving relationships within the local communities. Erick Cushman (D408), the EBMA’s tutoring program coordinator, has seen the program do just that, and looks forward to watching it grow. “In the six years I’ve been managing the program, I’ve been continually encouraged by the sincere expressions of gratitude from both school administrators and also parents, and the very positive experiences of the tutors themselves,” said Cushman. By taking advantage of the program, students are receiving guidance from not only a tutor, but a potential career role model, and parents get to watch their children strive for success; it’s a win-win.
Electric Boat employees can also take advantage of the tutoring program. Cushman, while overseeing the program, also volunteers his time as a tutor, and is currently assisting a small group of EB designers in the Apprentice Program. Holly Boyle, a piping design apprentice at EB, is one of the employees in a small physics study group led by Cushman. “This tutoring program is fantastic,” said Boyle. “When I first started reaching out to tutors on the list I was given, they were all so willing to help. After speaking with a few of the tutors, Erick had the availability and knowledge that worked for us in our physics class. We were able to meet once a week for most of the semester. Thanks to Erick, we have done tremendously well.”
In an effort to grow the program and reach more schools and students in the area, the EBMA encourages more employees to commit to helping students in their area. To be a tutor, one must be a member of the EBMA. If you’re a member and are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Erick Cushman. To learn more about the EBMA Volunteer Tutoring Program, please see the association’s website.
Employee Advisory: May 20 Travel Delays Expected in Groton and New London
Employees should anticipate significant travel delays on Wednesday, May 20, due to the presidential visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London. Local police departments in Groton and New London have announced road closures, travel restrictions and extensive no‑parking zones beginning as early as 5:00 a.m. Temporary intersection and roadway closures are expected...Continue reading→
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country. The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.
Lauren Knapp Honored with Victoria Soto Memorial Award
We are proud to celebrate Lauren Knapp for being named a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Soto Memorial Award, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. This recognition highlights Lauren’s exceptional commitment to mentorship, community engagement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The Victoria Soto Memorial Award honors individuals...Continue reading→
EB Kicks Off 2026 HeartStrong Campaign to Support Community Heart Health
Electric Boat is proud to launch the 2026 Heart Walk campaign in support of the American Heart Association and its mission to build a stronger, healthier Eastern Connecticut community. This year, EB is honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor of the walk and the Onsite CPR Experience Sponsor, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to...Continue reading→
Congratulations to Cheyne Ordonio, Winner of the 2026 High Five Coin Design Contest
We are pleased to announce Department 962 employee, Cheyne Ordonio, as the Winner of the first-ever High Five Coin Design Contest. Cheyne was inspired to join the contest as he himself has a coin collection, including challenge coins, old coins from the past, a three-cent piece, several silver dollars and half dollars as well as...Continue reading→
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Warehouse in North Stonington
Electric Boat broke ground Wednesday on a new warehouse that will support shipbuilding operations in Groton and Quonset Point. The 480,000‑square‑foot facility, located at 45 Frontage Road in North Stonington, will streamline how material moves across different work sites. Electric Boat purchased the 55‑acre property from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 2025. The project...Continue reading→
Lessons From the Loss of USS Thresher (SSN 593) on April 10, 1963
Photo by EB Employee Patrick “Pat” M. McCarthy, Principal Program Representative, Quality (D421). Electric Boat Shipbuilders, On the morning of April 10,1963, USS Thresher began her deep dive in 8,400 feet of water 220 miles off Cape Cod. During the dive, an unexpected message was received by USS Skylark, her escort ship: “Experiencing minor difficulties,...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 18: CT and RI Legislative Briefings
EB President Mark Rayha delivered Legislative Briefings to congressional delegations and local leaders in Connecticut and Rhode Island on Monday, March 23. See the latest installment of the Rayha Report for a recap of the events.
