Harbor Commission Approves First Round of Community Investment Grants

SAN PEDRO — The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners Nov. 29 approved the first large category grants under the Port of Los Angeles’ community investment grants program for FY 2023/24 to two local maritime educational programs – EXP (formerly International Trade Education Programs, Inc.) and the Los Angeles Maritime Institute or LAMI. Supported by port shipping and lease revenues, the grant program supports activities related to local workforce development, education, the environment and the LA Waterfront.

EXP and LAMI were awarded grants of $346,150 and $290,000 respectively. Both organizations were also approved to receive the same grant award amount in FY 2024/25. Awardees for the program’s remaining $663,850 in general category FY2023/24 grants will be announced early next year, selected amongst the remaining 63 of the 65 total grant applications received by the port this year.

Serving thousands of high school students annually, EXP will use its grant on next-generation workforce development, supporting youth maritime education programs that generate awareness, interest, work experience and career preparation in the maritime industry. The LAMI award will support TopSail, its on-the-water, experiential education sailing program for at-risk youth.

This year, the port’s community investment grants program awarded funding in two categories: general (under $99,999) to large ($100,000 or more) The grant selection committee is comprised of three Harbor Department employees, two community representatives and one council district 15 representative.