The Port of Long Beach on Wednesday announced $219,500 in scholarships for 154 local college and high school students to assist in their pursuit of higher education degrees in port-related fields from engineering to international business.
The students receiving the scholarships were recognized at the Port’s “Celebrating Education” event on Aug. 2. The event also honored the 2023 class of summer high school interns, the first class after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Celebrating Education event brings together students, educators, public officials and business leaders to highlight the Port’s education outreach programs and recognize the accomplishments of students involved.
“The Harbor Commission has a longstanding goal to create and support programs aimed at advancing the development of a skilled workforce in international trade, goods movement and related professions,” said Sharon L. Weissman, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. “Scholarships are just one of the many ways we work toward that goal.”
“We’re proud to provide the college scholarships which will help in guiding our youth toward rewarding careers in the logistics industry,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “These scholarships will play a crucial role in providing essential financial assistance to hardworking students, enabling them to pursue higher education and other training opportunities.”
“Our education programs offer training and funding to prepare students for positions at every level within the port industry,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We’re doing our part to make sure our local young people have every opportunity to be part of the goods movement workforce of tomorrow.”
Since 2014, the Port has awarded nearly $1.1 million in scholarships to students pursuing careers in international trade and goods movement. This year’s scholarships went to students from local high schools, Long Beach City College and Cal State Long Beach. This fiscal year’s budget for scholarships was $250,000, up from the previous year’s $200,000.
