2025 Youth Maritime Career Launch Graduation

Join us on October 25th, 2025, at the Bell Harbor Conference Center as we celebrate the achievements of these dedicated interns, who have completed the Youth Maritime Career Launch program and are moving forward toward securing living-wage careers in the maritime sector. Refreshments and parking will be provided at no cost.

The Youth Maritime Career Launch is a Port-funded internship program designed to bridge the gap for underserved young adults, ages 18-24, by providing them with hands-on maritime internships at both shoreside and underway maritime businesses. The program's goal is to ensure that participants are hired by the end of their internship, setting them on a path to a sustainable career in the maritime industry. Each intern undergoes an immersive experience focused on applied learning, while also receiving wraparound support services to help them thrive throughout their time in the program. These services are tailored to ensure participants have the tools they need to succeed.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Everyone planning to attend the reception aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl needs to bring a valid photo I.D. We cannot guarantee that guests (any ages) can onboard the ship without a valid photo I.D present.

This space will be prioritized for graduating participants, their guests, partner organizations, employers and Port of Seattle-invited guest. If you do not identify with any of the above, kindly contact Robert Brown at [email protected]. Thank you!

Info: Doors open at 12:30 PM, early arrival is highly encouraged as the Youth Maritime Career Launch Graduation will begin promptly at 1:00 PM.

Info: Formal entrance of graduates marking the opening of the ceremony.

Info: Port of Seattle Commissioner, Fred Felleman will deliver remarks, recognizing the graduates of the Youth Maritime Career Launch program and reaffirming the Port’s commitment to advancing equitable workforce opportunities in the maritime sector.

Info: The Urban League will share brief remarks, highlighting their partnership with the Port of Seattle, their role in supporting Youth Maritime Career Launch, and the importance of continuing to build equitable pathways into maritime careers.

Info: Washington Maritime Blue will share brief remarks, highlighting their partnership with the Port of Seattle, their role in supporting Youth Maritime Career Launch, and the importance of continuing to build equitable pathways into maritime careers.

Info: Commissioner Felleman will formally confer certificates to the Youth Maritime Career Launch graduates, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and successful completion of the program.

Info: DOCKED AT PIER 66 (1-min walk from Bell Harbor Conference Center). Join us to celebrate the Youth Maritime Career Launch graduates aboard the historic Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while mingling with graduates, community, and industry partners, and take the rare opportunity to hear directly from crew members about life and work on this iconic tall ship.

Info: An exhilarating conversation that brings together the voices of young adults and trailblazers in maritime workforce development. Panelists will share bold takes on the future of maritime careers, lessons learned from building pathways into the industry, and fresh perspectives from the next generation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle, United States