The Port of Houston Authority delivers goods such as petroleum, steel and food to our community. Through the efforts of the Community Relations Department, the PHA also delivers reading, writing and arithmetic.

Recognizing that the port has a strong social impact on the community, the Public Affairs Division created a program to emphasize education at all levels — from kindergarten through college.

A cadre of PHA employees returned to classrooms in 2006— not as students, but as spirited Junior Achievement volunteers. The first group of budding teachers began at Port Houston Elementary in November, teaching theme-titled lessons such as "Our Families," "Our World," and "Our Community." By committing valuable time to school children, PHA employees delivered support for the development of our future workforce by sharing knowledge and talents in the classroom.

At the middle school level, PHA employees have been mentors in a Junior Achievement program called "The Economics of Staying in School." The port has also entertained middle school students on the M/V Sam Houston for career day activities that provide exposure to important role the port plays in the region.

At the high school level, the PHA has sponsored scholarships through several organizations such as Junior Achievement and several chambers of commerce.

At the college level, the PHA has initiated an expanded college internship program for students who are permanent residents of Harris County and currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at accredited colleges and universities.

To help ensure that future generations develop sensitivity and respect for the environment, PHA made contributions of $10,000 each to support the environment al education programs at Texas Southern University and the University of Houston — Clear Lake. The TSU grant supports 25 students in the school’s Renewable Energy and Environmental Program in the College of Science and Technology. TSU has one of the few environmental toxicology programs in the U.S. focusing on air quality and water quality issues in urban areas.

The grant to UHCL supports the Environmental Institute of Houston, which provides workshops designed to help school teachers link the environment to their classrooms. The institute’s workshops focus on topics ranging from biodiversity in wildlife habitats to the connection between agriculture and culture.

The Port of Houston Authority has taken on these academic pursuits because we have a stake in a solid educational foundation for our youth.

Last updated: 11/29/06

Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North • Houston, Texas 77029
P.O. Box 2562 • Houston, Texas 77252-2562
Phone: 713-670-2400

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