February 27, 2025
Jen Fox, an environmental science and biology teacher at Lincoln High School in North Seattle, believes in bringing real-world experiences into her classroom. She takes students beyond textbooks, into the field, where they can see firsthand what it takes to preserve natural areas and demonstrate environmental justice in action.
So when the opportunity arose to collaborate with the Port of Seattle and Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS), she jumped at the chance. Through Teach2Connect, a program designed to educate high school teachers about port-related careers, Fox partnered with WABS and Port staff to develop a curriculum that included a hands-on learning experience. The result? A deep dive into cleanup efforts along the Duwamish River.
During a two-day summer workshop, Fox, the Port team, and WABS coordinated a field trip to the Duwamish River habitat restoration sites. This immersive experience gave students a unique look at the intersection of environmental science, career opportunities, and real-world conservation work.
Partnering for opportunity
Since 2018, the Port has partnered with WABS to help students gain the skills and knowledge needed for success in the workforce. This collaboration has impacted more than 4,000 students in the past three years through educational programs and guided tours.
Recognizing this impactful work, WABS selected the Port as the recipient of its Distinguished Education Partnership of the Year Award, to be presented at its upcoming Showcase of Success event. The award honors organizations committed to WABS’ mission, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Port supports key WABS programs such as Teach2Connect, Career Tours, and STEM4Good, which introduces elementary and middle school students to port-related careers through after-school programs. The Port also plays a leadership role in WABS, with Commissioner Ryan Calkins serving on the Board of Directors and Port Workforce Development Director Anna Pavlik participating in the Industry Advisory Council.
“Port leadership has been critical to the success of our partnership,” said WABS President and CEO Emily Yim. “These programs allow students to explore career opportunities in their own backyard, deepening their awareness of the Port’s role in our community.”
Calkins said introducing students in the Pacific Northwest to port-related careers is invaluable. “Kids growing up here should get hands-on experiences with our maritime and aviation industries. With our rich maritime history and our prominence in the aerospace industry, every student should have the opportunity to learn about careers in those fields. That starts with awareness at an early age and the Port is committed to ensuring that education is paired with access and opportunity to living wage jobs right here at home.”
Pavlik emphasized the importance of reaching students early. “It’s crucial to introduce students, even at the elementary and middle school levels, to living-wage careers at the Port. WABS has been an incredible thought partner in shaping programs that make a real impact. In light of incredible economic development opportunities and challenges we face as a region we have to continue to grow these kinds of partnerships because we are all stronger together.”
Exploring the Duwamish
For Fox, integrating the Duwamish River into her lessons was a natural fit. Her students had already explored the river through a Sacred Waters unit, studying topics like shifting perceptions of the Duwamish River, Puget Sound water quality, and environmental justice. The field trip brought these lessons to life.
Guided by Port environmental staff, students visited two areas — one untouched and another that had been restored — offering a striking contrast. The trip took place just before a major cleanup effort began in December, allowing students to witness environmental restoration in real time.
Beyond the science, students also discovered career paths they hadn’t considered. “Many had no idea that careers in engineering, law, or community service could lead them to the Port,” said Fox. “They saw how their studies could connect to real jobs.”
To extend the experience, Fox and a colleague collected water samples from five Duwamish sites for classroom testing. “What’s most important is that this isn’t history —it’s happening right now,” she said. “Students are seeing real decisions being made and actions being taken in the moment.”
WABS played a crucial role in making the collaboration seamless, handling logistics so that Fox and Port staff could focus on engaging with students.
Students shared what they enjoyed about the field trip to Duwamish River sites:
"Hearing about everyone’s different experiences and journeys that led them to this job [and the] different kinds of work people do."
"Helping plant/sort seeds and learning about career opportunities."
"Learning about different career paths."
"Seeing the site of an upcoming restoration. We saw how this site was damaged but would be turned into a park like [Duwamish River] People’s Park."
Connecting to maritime careers
Rut Perez-Studer, Port Senior Manager of Fishing Vessel Services, partners with WABS on Career Tours of Fishermen’s Terminal, and has helped organize bilingual tours for Highline Public Schools students. The tour was conducted in both Spanish and English, providing an inclusive experience for students from underrepresented communities.
“It worked out really well,” Perez-Studer said. “When students hear someone speaking Spanish in a professional setting, it opens their eyes to new possibilities. Many come in unsure, but by the end, they’re taking pictures and excited about careers they never considered.”
WABS managed the logistics, including coordinating with the Port and school district, arranging transportation, and sponsoring a lunch to facilitate deeper engagement. Student surveys revealed that many were introduced to maritime jobs they never knew existed — careers with strong earning potential.
During the tour, Perez-Studer also directs students to the Seattle Maritime Academy, which offers pathways into maritime careers.
“This is what stewardship looks like,” she said. “Supporting workforce development and youth opportunities aligns with the Port’s core values of anti-racism, respect, and community service. This award is a testament to how we show up for the communities we serve.”
