Port of Oakland scholarship awards surpass $1 million mark

Oakland, Calif. – June 20, 2016: The Port of Oakland’s two employee scholarship organizations have reached a milestone this month by surpassing the $1 million mark in scholarships for students. Over the past 20 years, Port employees have given 600 Oakland high school students $1.1 million in scholarship funds.

Since 1993 and 1994 respectively, the Port’s Asian Employees Association Scholarship and Employees’ Scholarship Program were created to raise money for Oakland students. These organizations are all volunteer and employee run.

Each year, high school seniors apply for Port employee scholarship awards that average $1,600 per student. The goal is to encourage students to pursue post-secondary education, vocational school, or apprenticeship trainings.

This month, the Port’s employee scholarship associations together raised $76,500 for 31 high school students.

“For over 23 years, Port of Oakland employees have raised money so that Oakland high school students can achieve their college dreams,” said Port of Oakland Director of Social Responsibility Amy Tharpe. “Our greatest investment is in the future success of Oakland students."

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:
Robert Bernardo, Communications Manager

Port of Oakland

Tel. 510-627-1401

Email: [email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur, Port Spokesperson

Port of Oakland

Tel. 510-627-1193

Email: [email protected]

###