Maritime Workforce Development

Leading the way
in Maritime Workforce Development

For the past decade, Port Houston has led an alliance of stakeholders and governmental entities to address the need for a well-trained talent pool of future maritime leaders. As a major source of job growth for the region, Port Houston has a strategic stake in the development of a robust maritime workforce.

Our Commitment

Port Houston commits to workforce development through a variety of outreach initiatives including Maritime Education, Career Exploration, Community Engagement, and the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME) programs.

Port Houston has led the charge in regional education and workforce development by focusing on three key goals:

  • Introducing youth & young adults to maritime career opportunities,
  • Encouraging higher education (understanding that some careers do not require college/university degree), and
  • Developing partnerships between industry and academic institutions to ensure curriculum and talent needs are aligned.

Port Houston has invested more than $5 million in the Maritime Education Program, enabling us to assist students in discovering their interests as well as match them with opportunities after graduation. Benefits of the Maritime Education Program include dual credit courses, industry-specific certifications, field trips, workshops, seminars, mentorship, internships, and scholarship opportunities.

Learn more about Port Houston’s Education Outreach initiatives at 713-670-2806 or [email protected].

Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education Scholarship

The Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization designed to inform and educate Houston area high school and college students about career opportunities in the maritime industry. Students who are seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Transportation, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Maritime Administration, Global Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, Distribution, or other industry related fields of study and have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and community stewardship may qualify for scholarship.

 

PHPME is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Apply Now

 

***Eligible Graduating High School Seniors and College Students can access the new online portal linked above, create a “New User Account”, and select “PHPME Collegiate Scholarship”.  Within this portal, students will be able to electronically submit application and upload supporting documents … paper application will no longer be utilized.

Any questions, please submit them to PHPME at [email protected].

High School Partners

Port Houston has partnerships with Maritime, Logistics, and industry-related CTE (Career Technical Education) programs in eight high schools in seven area school districts:

Blanson High School – Distribution & Logistics
Dr. Kirk K. Lewis High School - Maritime
Galena Park ISD - Logistics & Law
Jack Yates High School - Maritime & Logistics
La Porte High School - Maritime
Lee High School - Maritime
Stephen F. Austin High School - Maritime
Texas City ITC – Maritime

Higher Education Partners

Regional Colleges and Universities that we partner with that have certificate and degree programs in Maritime Transportation, Global Logistics and Supply Chain, Marine Engineering, we work with:

Houston City College
Lone Star College
Lee College
San Jacinto College - Maritime
San Jacinto College - North
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas Southern University
University of Houston

Maritime Education Guide

Whether you decide to enter the workforce, get an apprenticeship, or attend college or university, there is a pathway for you. Download our Maritime Education Guide to learn more.

Download the Guide

Need to know more?

For more information about connecting with someone in the Workforce Development department, explore Port Houston’s directory to find the right contact.

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