VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA has announced the recipients of the port’s inaugural Community Fund aimed at helping projects that meet the port’s mission of economic development, workforce training and tourism. The port will provide $5,000 in funds to the following projects and programs in 2020:

  • Partners in Careers – The organization will receive $1,000 from the port to assist in transportation costs for worksite tours. High school students take part in the tours over spring break where they visit a variety of businesses to expand their knowledge of careers and the training involved. Helping with transportation costs removes the barrier of students having to get to the sites on their own and ensures all can participate.
  • Clark College Foundation – The foundation will receive $1,000 from the port for the college’s International Day activities. The annual fall event celebrates international cultural and educational exchange, and promotes understanding and inclusivity. The event supports the port’s goals of connection to the world as well as goals of recruiting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce.
  • Vancouver Public Schools, Career and Technical Education – The program will receive $3,000 from the port to further the Apartment and Maintenance Technicians training program. Port funds will be used to purchase tools, uniforms and gas cards for high school students participating in the program. Students learn plumbing, electrical, OSHA training and other skills to help them be job-ready. 

The port launched the new Community Fund in January 2020 and received a total of five qualifying applications for a total request of $17,500.

“We are very pleased with all the applications we received for the Community Fund,” said the port’s Chief of External Affairs, Ryan Hart. “All of the applicants were deserving of the funds which made the job of the selection committee all that more difficult. We congratulate all the organizations receiving funds and believe each is a great fit with port priorities,” he added.

Several ports in Washington state operate community funds and the port drew from that expertise in developing its own guidelines. Port of Vancouver’s program supports its Strategic Plan and a stated community goal of: Pursuing opportunities to share port resources with community partners to advance shared goals.

The port will solicit applications for the 2021 round of funding later this year.

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.