More than 200 students, families, and community members gathered at Foss Waterway Seaport on February 3 for the first Maritime|253 open house, an event hosted by Tacoma Public Schools to connect with prospective students and their families and share more information about the new skills center for high school students, opening this fall.
Attendees were welcomed with a Maritime|253 selfie wall, themed cookies, and a collection of booths from key partners including the Port of Tacoma, BN Builders, TCF Architecture, University of Washington Tacoma (UWT), and Clover Park Technical College. Each organization talked about their connection to Maritime|253 and offered glimpses into the real-world opportunities awaiting future students.
"It’s gonna be awesome,” said Joe MacRae, a Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA) student who attended the event. "I can't wait to learn more."
The evening’s presentation began with Tacoma Public Schools staff giving an overview of the program and its benefits to South Sound high school students. Maritime|253 is open to juniors and seniors from multiple school districts.
“This is new for our region,” said Maritime|253 Director Kristie Wolford. “Students will experience hands-on learning, industry connected projects and partnerships and take courses that align with their graduation requirements.”
“You're going to learn how to get jobs down here,” said Eric Johnson, Port of Tacoma Executive Director. “And not just jobs on ships or tugboats. There are jobs with computers, logistics, freight forwarding, the supply chain, and manufacturers.”
The school district is building Maritime|253 on Port of Tacoma land along the Foss Waterway, next door to the Port’s new business office as part of the Maritime Center project. Johnson said the proximity is intentional, an investment in accessibility, collaboration, and community connection.
“The Port of Tacoma is super excited about this,” Johnson said.
“I think it’s really cool,” said Artemis Smith, IDEA High School student. “I like doing hands-on stuff and this seems very hands-on.”
Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano told prospective students that even though the skills they gain from Maritime|253 will allow them to go anywhere in the world, he hopes they choose to stay in Tacoma.
“The maritime and logistics industry is going to be losing people through retirement. Jobs will be available, and these are good, high-paying jobs,” Marzano said.
Maritime|253 is not a traditional school, but a career and technical education center that students attend for half the day while still being enrolled in their home school. The program is designed around four career-connected pathways in sustainability, port operations and logistics, technology, and advanced maritime manufacturing.
“This is providing a pathway for students who are driven to be around the water,” said Elizabeth Bonbright, School Board Director for Tacoma Public Schools.
“I applied for the transportation and logistics pathway,” said Genevieve Vandenberg, a junior from Tacoma Public Schools. “I hope to gain some life skills and some connections that can help further me in my career and my life goals.”
Enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 school year, with priority registration open until March 1.