The Houston Independent School District and the United States Coast Guard highlighted a new partnership with HISD’s maritime high schools during a celebration at Austin High School.

Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Roger Guenther, Executive Director of the Port Houston, and dozens of students from local maritime programs attended the event.

Students learned about career opportunities in the maritime industry and toured Coast Guard small boats, and other interactive static displays.

“Students who are part of our maritime studies magnet programs at Austin and Yates high schools are work-ready for high paying positions in the Port of Houston immediately after graduation,” said Deputy Superintendent Richard Cruz. “Our new partnership with the Coast Guard makes an outstanding program even better as we train the workforce of the future, filling the vital supply chain positions that keep the global economy strong.”

HISD’s strategic goals include increasing equity in educational outcomes and competitiveness for all HISD students employed in the global economy. The Coast Guard partnership greatly enhances these goals.

"This new collaboration with local maritime high schools allows our Coast Guard servicewomen and men to share their skills with HISD students who will be our future maritime leaders,” said Coast Guard Capt. Jason Smith, Commander Sector Houston-Galveston. “Today’s event with our commandant, Admiral Karl Schultz, is just the start of a long-term commitment to our local maritime high schools.”

Austin High School has 258 students enrolled in the Maritime Studies magnet program and Yates High school has 233 students enrolled in the program.