United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center is one of the recipients of the Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) award.
San Jacinto College (SJC) is one of the 26 recipient institutions across the nation as the country’s first group to receive the CoE status. It is the only Texas institution to be recognized as a Center of Excellence.
“We are so honored and appreciative of this recognition by MARAD, our maritime program was created based on a vision from our maritime industry partners, and this recognition is a true testament of industry’s support and commitment to our training efforts as we continue preparing the Gulf Coast region’s mariner workforce,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, SJC’s chancellor.
The SJC Maritime Technology and Training Center, opened in 2016, is equipped with state-of-the-art bridge and engine room simulators and offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) approved courses. It is also the only training center in Texas to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in maritime transportation, combining USCG- and STCW-approved training with college-level academics.
“San Jacinto Community College campuses have continuously provided high-quality, affordable education to my constituents and the Greater Houston area. This important recognition should go a long way in securing more federal funding to improve and expand upon San Jacinto Community College District’s existing education programs. I’m proud to represent their incredibly successful campuses and students in Congress,” said Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia.
Prior to receiving this award, the SJC Maritime Program also won the 2019 Bellwether Award in Workforce Development for its distinction in providing a solution to the shortage of Gulf Coast mariners through academic excellence and strong industry partnerships. The new CoE designation will allow MARAD to cooperate with recognized schools to improve student and faculty recruitment and facilities and give support in equipment and vessel utilization.