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Students pursing education and careers in port-related fields received scholarships totaling $300,000 from the Port of Long Beach last month.
Altogether, 136 high school and local college students received scholarships to pursue studies in such fields as engineering, environmental science, maritime law and technical trades.
“It’s important to invest in the future workforce of the goods movement industry, right here in the city,” said Long Beach harbor commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. said in the port’s recent news release.
Scholarships, Olvera added, are a way to “nurture a labor pool” with talent and skills to keep cargo moving through the port.
The scholarships were recently announced at the annual Celebrating Education event that brings together students, educators, public officials and business leaders. The event highlights the port’s outreach programs and recognizes student accomplishments.
“We’re building the future of our industry at the Port of Long Beach with new ideas and innovative technologies,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Developing a skilled workforce through our comprehensive education program is a big part of making that happen.”
The port has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships since 2014. The focus is to help students who are pursuing careers in international trade and goods movement.
This year’s scholarship awards went to students from local high schools, Long Beach City College and Cal State Long Beach.
The port’s 2024 budget for the program was increased to $300,000 this year, up from $250,000 the previous year.
Olvera also announced an expansion of the port’s outreach and workforce development with the creation of a new Tools Scholarship designed to assist new and aspiring trades people in launching their careers.
The scholarship will help new Long Beach City College trades program students and graduates buy their first set of tools.
At the Celebrating Education event, Olvera presented 10 students from the ACE Academy of Jordan High School with $300 Harbor Freight tools gift cards. The donation came from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program to the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach.
For more information about the port’s education outreach programs, go to polb.com/education.
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