Port Houston is committed to furthering maritime education in the Houston region. Port Houston participated during a “Maritime Letter of Intent” signing ceremony with the University of Houston-Downtown, Houston Community College and Houston ISD for the launch of a maritime degree progression program. The partnership will create pathways to degrees and careers for many students and aspiring professionals.

The letter of intent outlined a collaborative agreement allowing HISD students to enroll in maritime-related certificate and dual-credit courses in logistics and supply chain management in high school. The college credits earned would be transferable to HCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management. Ultimately, students could then apply credits toward UHD’s Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Applied Administration (ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the nation).

After delivering remarks, Juan Sánchez Muñoz, President, UH-Downtown; Grenita Lathan, HISD Interim Superintendent; Janet Wormack, HCC Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and then-Port Houston Chairman Janiece Longoria signed the letter of intent.

“The topic of maritime education came up… and how important it is in our region,” Longoria said. “At Port Houston, we want the best people to fill these maritime careers, and we want to tap local talent. That’s why it’s important that we work with HISD, HCC and now, UHD to create a cohesive partnership.”