Most people don’t think of high school students when they picture the Port of Tacoma. But beginning in fall 2026, hundreds of students from across the South Sound region will head to the waterfront each day to learn in one of Washington’s most unique schools, the new Maritime|253 Skills Center.

“This project is not just about new classrooms or a new campus,” said Kristie Wolford, Director of Maritime|253.  “It’s about creating opportunities that immerse students in the industries they’re passionate about and experiences they simply haven’t had access to before.”

Enrollment now open for the 2026-2027 school year

• Open to all high school students in the South Sound region
• Students will stay enrolled in their high school, spending half their day at Maritime|253. 
• Students who participate in programs like Running Start and  Flex, or attend TOL, IDEA, SAMI, SOTA, are welcome to attend half day programs at the skills center just like all other high school students.
• Space is limited, 600 seats total
• 1,080 hours of training, industry-recognized credentials and dual college credit

Enroll now

A skills center, not a high school

Maritime|253 will serve high school-aged students, but it is not a high school. It’s a regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) skills center, a place where students from across the South Sound region will take advanced, industry-focused courses in alongside their regular high school classes.

Each two-year, half-day program will offer up to 1,080 hours of training, industry-recognized credentials and dual college credit. The school will be able to serve 600 students a day, 300 in the morning shift and 300 in the afternoon. Courses are advanced, so TPS anticipates most students will be high school juniors and seniors.

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open now.  Maritime|253 is open to all students in the South Sound region. TPS is also working with several school districts to secure seats for students and provide home-district support. Currently, this includes Vashon, Sumner-Bonney Lake, and University Place School Districts.

For some students, the skills gained here will lead directly into apprenticeships or full-time employment. For others, they’ll be the first step toward further education and advanced degrees.

“Creating pathways within the curriculum is so important for keeping students engaged and getting them to the end of a program,” said Kelli Johnston, Director of Workforce Education at Tacoma Community College, who has been involved in curriculum planning.

Designed by industry, for students

“I cannot overstate how thrilled the Port of Tacoma is about this project,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Port of Tacoma. “The Port is an economic engine for this region — but too often, people don’t understand what the Port does or that jobs in the maritime industry are great jobs. Maritime|253 will help change that.”  

The Port is a major economic driver in Pierce County, supporting an estimated 42,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in labor income each year. Beyond Pierce County, maritime is a growing global industry and a foundational element of the world economy, transporting around 80-90% of global trade by volume.

Programs are being designed in partnership with local industry leaders, ensuring that what students learn in the classroom reflects what employers need. Wolford convened a 30-member advisory group of maritime professionals. The group includes engineers, educators, business leaders and community advocates, all committed to ensuring students graduate ready to succeed.

“I wish I had these opportunities growing up,” said Vic Ramani, Senior Manager with Raytheon. “Our kids have so much talent, but we’ve got to connect them with opportunities.”

The curriculum will span four main pathways:

• Sustainability: Build the clean energy future with solar, wind, alternative fuels, sustainable construction, environmental science, and automation.
• Technology: Learn about information technology, networking, cybersecurity, programming, drones, autonomous vessels, mechatronics, and design.
• Port Operations & Logistics: Train for careers in logistics, shipping, aviation, rail, maritime operations, and port security.
• Advanced Maritime Manufacturing: Specialize in shipbuilding, design, marine welding, robotic welding, composites, CAD, marine engineering, and naval architecture.

“The excitement and participation of industry partners has blown me away,” said Wolford. “My goal is that every student will have an industry mentor. Connections are what transform classroom learning into a career.”

For many in the community, Maritime|253 also represents a chance to expand access and diversity within the maritime field.

Building the Vision

Years of steady progress have brought the project from concept to construction. Designed by TCF Architecture and built by BN Builders, the facility is taking shape on 21 acres owned by the Port of Tacoma. The site will also house the Port’s new business center, and together, the two facilities will create a hub for innovation, learning and collaboration. Maritime|253 will open its doors in September 2026, the Port business center will open in early 2027.

The 42,000 square foot skills center will feature specialized spaces, including a Marine Technologies and Robotics Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Logistics Simulator Classroom, Welding Workshop and a Vessel Operations & Drones Simulator Room. An additional 6,400-square-foot covered outdoor work area will provide space for hands-on projects and vessel maintenance training. A public promenade will connect the campus to the waterfront, offering walking paths, landscaping, lighting and benches. Watch a virtual building tour.

This project is made possible through community support; construction is funded by the $535 million school construction bond approved by Tacoma voters in 2020.

“We’re building a dream,” said Superintendent Josh Garcia. “This skills center belongs to all of us — and the students trained here will help shape our region’s future.”