Did you know that the Port of Kalama has been honored for its many contributions to education and student advancement?
The Port of Kalama and the Kalama School District work closely together to create a tangible connection for students between the classroom, local industry and real world career and job opportunities. And they are plentiful—right here at home.
Industries at the Port of Kalama employ more than 1,000 people. And there are Fortune 500 companies right here conducting global business and commerce including import/export, manufacturing, marketing, welding and steel work, recycling, trucking and myriad other commercial and industrial enterprises. They choose Kalama for its ideal location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest on the highway, railroad and river.
Through work at the Kalama Career Fair and engaging Port businesses in educational programs, the Port of Kalama has built a close relationship between students, the faculty of Kalama Schools and the Port’s business partners—and the Port offers students opportunities to meet members of the business community and learn about work and career opportunities at the Port and among Port industries.
Earlier this year the Port of Kalama and Executive Director Mark were honored with the 2018 Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Community Leadership Award for the Columbia River Region. The award recognizes Port of Kalama’s many contributions to the Kalama School District: The Port was instrumental in organizing the Kalama High School Career Fair and recruiting Port businesses to participate in an effort to educate students on career and job opportunities in the region and at the Port.
“Mark Wilson and Port of Kalama commissioners have been instrumental in forging a cooperative new direction for district-port relations. Through these efforts, the Kalama School District has engaged Port and Cowlitz businesses in the Kalama Days Career Fair promoting career awareness among Kalama students and giving them increased motivation to do well in school,” says Mike Nerland, WASA Honorary Awards Committee Columbia River Region 112. “Your efforts have also helped foster the development of a STEM network in Cowlitz County. We thank you for your support of students and families in Kalama School District and throughout Cowlitz County.”
The Port continues to offer opportunities to meet members of the business community and learn about the work they do—improving the understanding of the business activities here and educating students about the many businesses and global industries right here in the community.
Here’s to an inspiring new school year!
