Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator
The Goose Creek CISD’s (GCCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department is proud to name Port Houston the December 2025 Partner of the Month. The CTE Department has a valuable partnership with Port Houston, providing students with opportunities in the growing maritime and logistics industries. This collaboration helps prepare the next generation of workers for international trade and the Houston Ship Channel.
Pictured, from left, Andree Torres, GCCISD CTE Specialist; Jade Cox, Robert E. Lee Assistant Principal; Jennifer Guillory, GCCISD CTE Accountability & Academies Specialist; Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partnership Facilitator; Devan Short, Port Houston; Randal O’Brien, GCCISD Superintendent; Leia Miller, GCCISD CTE Director; Kevin Foxworth, GCCISD Area Executive Director; and Desiree Shankle, GCCISD CTE Specialist. Photo by Erin Cook.
Pictured, from left, Leia Miller, GCCISD CTE Director; Joe Rodriguez, incoming GCCISD Superintendent; Jacquie Young-Hall, Port Houston; Randal O’Brien, GCCISD Superintendent; and Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
Port Houston, which leads efforts for the Houston Ship Channel and is a major part of the City of Houston’s growth in international trade, is crucial to GCCISD's CTE programs. Their support was key to implementing the district's Maritime program, creating a direct path for students interested in careers on the water and in global shipping.
Port Houston supports higher education partnerships that provide students with a clear pathway in maritime education. Through GCCISD’s partnership with San Jacinto College, students can earn a Level 1 Certificate while attending the San Jacinto College Maritime Campus in La Porte. They graduate with the skills and certifications needed to enter the workforce, with support from Port Houston to connect them to internship and employment opportunities.
The partnership does more than just offer basic support; it provides a variety of direct, engaging opportunities for students. A featured event is the Annual Port Houston Field Day, which gives students a first-hand look at port operations and the many different careers available. They also offer Lunch and Learns for students, meetings that let students hear directly from working professionals in an interactive setting.
Additionally, guest speakers from Port Houston and related fields often visit classrooms to share what they know, give career advice, and link learning to the real world. Port Houston actively helps students meet contacts in the industry, growing the network of potential employers and mentors for GCCISD students. Their staff regularly attends College and Career Nights, informing students and parents about well-paying careers in the maritime sector.
In addition to sharing their time and industry expertise, Port Houston has made meaningful financial contributions to support the work of the program.
Leia Miller, GCCISD CTE Director, praised the organization’s ongoing support, stating, “Port Houston has been an invaluable partner to our CTE programs. Their willingness to support our students, whether through time, expertise, or financial investment, demonstrates a genuine commitment to education and workforce development in the Baytown community.”
Port Houston was recognized for its generous $7,500 donation to the maritime program at Robert E. Lee High School, which was formally presented at the December 15 GCCISD Board of Trustees meeting. Through the Port Houston Maritime Education Sponsorship Program, the contribution will enhance students’ learning experiences by providing critical tools, resources, and instructional support to prepare them for success in the maritime industry.
This partnership is a great example of how public education and industry leaders can successfully work together to create real career paths for students in important global industries.
For more information on how to partner with GCCISD CTE, visit our website at https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC.