Local Youth Are Preparing for High Wage Jobs as Part of ITEP Programs

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach comprise the largest port complex in North America, and among the busiest in the world. These ports generate high paying jobs in a range of industries, and a local non-profit is working to make sure local youth are prepared for these careers.

International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) is a Carson-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that connects high school students to careers in high-wage and high-growth jobs generated by our nearby ports. In 2017-2018, ITEP served more than 6,400 high school students across 20 career pathways at 13 Southern California high schools, including those in Carson.

Students receive mentoring, internships and scholarships in industries as diverse as advanced manufacturing, environmental science, culinary arts, health sciences, law and more -- in addition to legacy sectors in trade, transportation, and logistics.

Learn more at ITEPinc.org

An ITEP Student Tells Her Story:

“Before ITEP, I wasn’t sure what path was right for me. I was afraid of job interviews and didn’t know what I would do after high school.

In every ITEP workshop, I learned more and gained more confidence. My ITEP internship at the Port of Los Angeles helped me realize that I have a passion for helping my community of Carson. I had the opportunity to work with many different departments and learn what it takes to plan, organize, and produce events. I was inspired by the passion I saw in every employee.

I graduated from Carson Senior High School in 2017 and ITEP gave me the courage to pursue my dreams. My ITEP internship is the reason I am majoring in business and minoring in media studies at UC Berkeley.

Because of my internship experience, I’m now a student worker at the Port during my summer break. There is so much I learned from ITEP programs and I still refer back to my notes from the workshops two years ago! ITEP kick-started my ambition, helped me dream, and gave me the opportunity to see that my dreams can become a reality.

-Daisy B., Carson Senior High School ’17, ITEP alumna now attending UC Berkeley