Port Long Beach Prepares Future Leaders

Posted by Eric Haun May 22, 2015

Photo: Port of Long Beach

Scholars, interns and externs gather for education celebration

On Wednesday, May 20, the Port of Long Beach hosted Celebrating Education, an event that brought together students, teachers, public officials and business executives to highlight educational accomplishments in international trade and the goods movement industry.

“I want to thank the Port for their generous support of these bright young people,” said Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia. “These are the leaders of the future, who will ensure our Port remains the premier port in the United States.”

“The Port is committed to providing opportunities through our scholarship and internship programs,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission Vice President Rich Dines. “We are investing in our youth today to develop the international trade leaders of tomorrow.”

In Celebrating Education, the Port honored transportation pioneer Matson, Inc., as its 2015 Champion of Education for inspiring students to pursue careers in international trade.

The event keynote speaker was Anthony Rodriguez, a procurement representative for The Walt Disney Company, who was a college intern at the Harbor Department from 2010 to 11 as well as a Port International Business Scholarship recipient in 2011.

The Port awarded scholarships totaling $58,500 to 27 students from Long Beach high schools, Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. Since 1993, the Port of Long Beach has awarded $607,650 in scholarships to 351 students pursuing careers in international trade and the goods movement industry.

Michael Gold, the Port’s Director of Communications and Community Relations, reported on an expanded education outreach plan with three new initiatives:

An education portal, Port of Long Beach Academy (academy.polb.com), was unveiled at the Celebrating Education event as a one-stop-shop for scholarships, internships, downloadable lesson plans, a virtual classroom and a video series that highlights careers in the Port.
Career/College Exploration Night – the Port partnered with Long Beach Unified School District in November 2014 to provide workshops and a port pavilion area. Another fair is planned for this fall.
A teacher externship program – 14 teachers from Long Beach high schools have been selected as the Port's first class of externs. At the end of the class, the teachers will create lesson plans to be published on the Port of Long Beach Academy website for public use.