Port of Hueneme’s SPEED Initiative

Miguel Rodriguez Community Outreach Manager /Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme’s Sustainability, Prosperity, Education, Equity- Driven (SPEED) Initiative is an investment of $2 Million Dollars from the California Transportation Agency to develop a Workforce Development program in Ventura County.  As a result of this, the Port brought together a collaboration between multiple partners to create a pipeline to develop “the workforce of the future”.  Key components of the initiative include:

The “Whole Family Approach” — Through this initiative the Port focuses on creating pathways for entire families to connect to its partners through the following channels:

  • ESL to Trade – An innovative program to “Upskill” English language learners from the Nyeland Acres community into language proficiency whilst also learning about labor and vocational trades.  This is important as it is geared at low-income farm workers who may want to upgrade into carpentry, labor or vocational occupations.
  • Paid Internships and Apprenticeships for local Cal State University Channel Islands CSUCI Students in Business or Graduate Education.
  • Global Trade Academy at Del Sol High School: A collaboration to build upon the Port’s existing Global Trade and Logistics High School Class where students learn from Port Customers and Professionals about career opportunities in the Maritime and Logistics sectors.
  • Rio School District’s “Rio-Puerto Girl’s STEM Academy”: An investment in a yearly Math and Science Camp for low-income students as well as supplementary activities and outside of classroom experiences for 5-8thgrade students interested in STEM Careers.
  • Oxnard College Logistics Certificate Scholarships: Developed in collaboration with the US NAVY, the OC Logistics certificate will provide scholarships for students interested in logistics, warehouse management, supply chain, and other trade related fields.
  • Ventura College Electric Vehicle Auto Mechanic Certificate: This program will provide scholarships for students interested in Electric Vehicle Mechanics.  This will help fill a critical workforce need across the state of California.
  • LiUNA 585 Women in Construction Program:  A program geared at developing the skills and leadership of women who are interested in the building trades.

Non Profit Collaborations :

  • Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) This program supports students interested in agricultural STEM careers.
  • One Step a La Vez: “Waves of Change” A program for students in the Santa Clara Valley to be exposed and outreached to by labor trade unions as well as vocational schools and provides connections to the Port for field trips and other educational opportunities and events.
  • Reel Guppy Outdoors Inc: A formal internship program for High School students in Hueneme interested in developing their nonprofit skills in Marketing, Business Planning and Brand development.