Hands-On Deck:
Maritime Career Program
A three-day paid work-based learning experience for 60 rising high school juniors and seniors in the Bay Area
Summer youth workforce development program | July 22-24, 2026 | Concord & Vallejo, CA
Applications close April 24 at 9AM. Apply today!
The ocean moves the world. What’s your role in it?
Dive into the maritime industry with this hands-on, paid career exploration program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors. Over three immersive days, you’ll work through real maritime scenarios, connect with professionals, and tackle an authentic industry challenge – all while getting paid for your participation.
We are seeking students who are curious about Bay Area maritime: the ferries, container ships, ports, and people that keep the world supplied and connected. You don’t have to love the ocean to work in maritime. You just have to want to be part of what moves the world. No prior experience is necessary.
Program at-a-glance
For rising 11th and 12th graders in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County
July 22-24, 2026 | 9AM - 3PM
Community Youth Center (CYC) at 1381 Galaxy Way, Concord, CA | Cal Poly Maritime Academy at 200 Maritime Academy Dr., Vallejo, CA
Application deadline: April 24, 2026 at 9AM
Cost: Free – in fact, you’ll get paid a $300 learning stipend to participate!
Applications now open
Spots are limited. Applications close April 24 at 9AM.
Why should I join this paid career program?
Find Your Fit
Build Resume-Worthy Skills
Do Real Work
Get Paid
Network
Know Your Next Move
Am I eligible to join?
This program prioritizes students from low-income backgrounds. All eligible students are encouraged to apply.
- Rising 11th or 12th graders in high school
- Living in or attending high school in Contra Costa County
- Curious about careers in the maritime industry
- Wanting to develop professional skills and gain work-based learning experience
- Willing and available to commit fully to all three summer program days, July 22–24, 2026
- Able to commute to the program locations (some transportation support is available)
What career pathways will I explore?
Maritime careers range from hands-on trades to shoreside business roles, with strong wages across the board.
In the Bay Area, maritime workers include harbor pilots, ferry captains, marine engineers, shipyard welders, port operations managers, logistics coordinators, and more. Roles are accessible through a range of pathways: on-the-job training, apprenticeships, associate degrees, bachelor degrees – and offer clear room for growth.
The program is organized around three industry-grounded pathways.
Deck officers, navigation, and vessel command
You’re responsible for the vessel, the crew, and the route. In the Bay Area, this includes piloting ships through one of the most complex and high-traffic waterways in the world, as well as commanding ferries, tugboats, and oceangoing ships on international voyages.
Marine engineering, shipyard trades, and technical systems
From welding and CNC machining to operating propulsion plants, this pathway spans hands-on trades through licensed marine engineer roles.
The business and logistics behind global shipping
Port operations, international trade, supply chain management, and maritime policy. Shore-based, globally focused, high-impact.
What can I expect during the program?
Program details subject to change. Confirmed participants will receive updates as the program is finalized.
Day 1: Cast Off
July 22, 2026 | 9AM – 3PM | Community Youth Center (CYC) at 1381 Galaxy Way, Concord, CA
Meet your cohort, get introduced to the three maritime career pathways, and practice professional skills.
Day 2: Open Water
July 23, 2026 | 9 AM – 3 PM | Cal Poly Maritime Academy at 200 Maritime Academy Dr., Vallejo, CA
Get hands-on exposure to all three maritime job pathways and rank which one you want to explore further.
Day 3: Make Port
July 24, 2026 | 9 AM – 3 PM | Cal Poly Maritime Academy at 200 Maritime Academy Dr., Vallejo, CA
Go deep on the career pathway that fits. Work through an extended hands-on scenario, produce a real work product, and leave with a concrete next step.
Thank you to our community partners and funders!
Hands-On Deck is a paid work-based learning opportunity hosted by Making Waves Education Foundation, supported by Contra Costa County Measure X funds and community partners including Cal Poly Maritime Academy, the Working Waterfront Coalition, and the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.
Hands-On Deck is a partnership between a leading maritime university, Bay Area industry, and a non-profit organization connecting young people to in-demand careers.
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast, preparing graduates to lead and excel in maritime careers from day one.
- The Working Waterfront Coalition is a first-of-its-kind San Francisco Bay Area industry-led initiative connecting trained workers to maritime employers across the region. Their coalition of employer partners is actively working to build the next generation of Bay Area maritime professionals.
- Making Waves Education Foundation builds career pathways that bridge education and employment – connecting career exploration, work-based learning, and credentials into a clear sequence so students from low-income backgrounds can access high-paying, in-demand jobs.
Applications now open
Spots are limited. Applications close April 24 at 9AM.
What is the maritime industry, anyway?
The maritime industry keeps the global economy moving. More than 80% of the world’s goods travel by sea, and the Bay Area sits at the center of one of the most complex maritime environments in the U.S. A mix of international shipping, ferry systems, tugboats, shipyards, and port operations all operate within a few miles of each other.
What kinds of jobs can I get in the maritime industry?
Maritime careers span navigation, engineering, trades, logistics, and business; and, they’re in high demand, with strong wages and clear pathways for promotion. Entry points include apprenticeships, community college, and four-year college programs.
Navigate It: Deck Officers, Navigation, and Vessel Command
Sample Job Titles | Level | Path After High School | |
Ordinary Seaman, Deckhand | Entry | Get a job on the water and earn your U.S. Coast Guard certification on the way | $33-75K |
Mate (Tug, Ferry, or Cargo Vessel) | Mid | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree from maritime academy + U.S. Coast Guard officer license required | $59-110k |
Captain, Master, Harbor Pilot | Senior | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree from maritime academy + years of service as a licensed officer required | $100-200k |
Build & Fix It: Marine Engineering and Shipyard Trades
Sample Job Titles | Level | Path After High School | |
Engine Wiper, Marine Oiler | Entry | Get a job in a shipyard or engine room and earn your U.S. Coast Guard certification on the way | $42-58k |
Ship Engineer (3rd/2nd Assistant) | Mid | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree from maritime academy + U.S. Coast Guard engineer license required | $75-100k |
Chief Engineer, Marine Engineer | Senior | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree from maritime academy + years of service as a licensed engineer required | $120-160k |
Move the World: Maritime Business and Logistics
Sample Job Titles | Level | Path After High School | |
Operations Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator | Entry | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or related field required | $65-105k |
Logistician, Ship’s Agent | Mid | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree + industry experience required | $80-130k |
Port Operations Manager, Supply Chain Director | Senior | Enroll in college: bachelor’s degree + years of experience required; MBA common | $130-265k |
How do I apply?
Complete the Online Application by April 24 at 9 AM.
Answer a few questions about your background and career interests. Submit two short-answer responses about your motivation for joining the program.
- Why maritime? The maritime industry spans navigation, engineering, trades, logistics, and global shipping. What draws you to it? You don’t need to know exactly where you’re headed, but tell us what’s pulling you in this direction and why it matters to you. (250-300 words)
- What do you bring? Think about a group you’ve been part of — a class, a team, a community. Describe a specific moment when your contribution made a difference. What did you do, and what did the group get from having you in it? (250-300 words)
Confirmation and Next Steps
If selected, you’ll receive confirmation email with next steps. Students under 18 will need a parent/guardian consent form to participate.
Spots are limited. Apply here now to secure your place.
More information
Is this a paid youth internship or apprenticeship?
Hands-On Deck is not an internship or apprenticeship, but it offers similar benefits: real-world career exploration and experience, a stipend, and connections to professionals. You’ll earn a $300 learning stipend for three days of hands-on career exploration. You’ll gain experience with actual industry tasks, build professional skills, and leave with a work product you can put on a resume or college application. You’ll gain clarity on whether the maritime career field is right for you and where you might go next, whether that’s an internship, apprenticeship, community college, or four-year maritime academy. This is not an employment opportunity and does not guarantee future employment with our partners. If you’ve been looking for paid summer programs for youth in the Bay Area, this is worth a serious look.
Can high school students get real maritime work experience in this program? Will I learn about maritime trade roles?
Opportunities for high school students to get hands-on maritime experience are rare, which is exactly what makes Hands-On Deck different. Most teens interested in maritime careers have to wait until college or a formal apprenticeship to get any real job exposure. This youth workforce development program gives rising juniors and seniors in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County three days of immersive, paid career exploration using industry-grade facilities at Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Vallejo, a leading maritime university in the U.S. Teens will learn about maritime trade roles including Ordinary Seaman, Deckhand, Engine Wiper, Marine Oiler, Operations Coordinator, and Logistics Coordinator along with more senior level roles in maritime including Captain, Master, Harbor Pilot, Chief Engineer, Marine Engineer, Port Operations Manager, and Supply Chain Director.
How do I know if I'm ready for a summer career program? Do I need previous experience to apply?
Hands-On Deck doesn’t require prior knowledge of maritime or any specific academic background. If you’re a high school junior or senior (11th or 12th grader) who shows up, asks questions, and wants to make the most of Hands-On Deck — you’re ready to apply. What the program looks for is genuine curiosity, a willingness to engage, and the ability to commit to all three days. The short-answer application questions are designed to surface those qualities, not to screen for students who already have maritime experience or a polished resume.
Will this summer extracurricular program help me get into college or help with my college or scholarship applications?
Career exploration programs that involve real-world experience can strengthen college or scholarship applications — as both a line on your resume or LinkedIn and as a source of genuine material for essays and interviews. Completing a hands-on industry project, working alongside maritime professionals, and being able to articulate why you’re drawn to this career makes for a compelling experience and story.
Is maritime a good career right now?
Yes! It’s one of the most overlooked options for teens thinking about their futures. The maritime industry is facing a significant workforce shortage as experienced workers retire, which means strong job security and upward mobility for people entering the field. In the Bay Area specifically, demand for roles in the maritime industry is growing.
Is maritime a good career path if I'm interested in climate or the environment?
Increasingly, yes. New regulations are pushing shipping companies, ports, and shipyards to reduce emissions, adopt alternative fuels, and modernize operations. This is creating demand for engineers, operations professionals, and policy experts who understand both maritime and environmental systems. For students interested in climate careers, maritime offers a practical, high-impact entry point.
Are there maritime careers that don't require working on a ship?
Yes, and more than you might think. Shore-based maritime careers are mainly found in two of three pathways we explore in Hands-On Deck. In the Move the World pathway, there are jobs in port operations, logistics, and supply chain management. In the Build It & Fix It pathway, shipyards and dry docks employ welders, electricians, and engineers who work entirely on land. They are in high demand and offer strong salaries — often around $80K–$265K at the mid and senior levels. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there’s still a place for you in maritime.
Do you offer transportation support?
Yes. Students who need help getting to the program can request transportation support. We’ll work with you to make sure getting there isn’t a barrier to participating.
Will I receive a certificate or credential for completing the program?
All fellows who complete Hands-On Deck will receive a Certificate of Completion they can add to their resume, LinkedIn profile, or applications.
What if I have additional questions?
Reach out to our team at info@making-waves.org
Let's partner!
We’re looking to fundamentally change how education connects to economic opportunity. Are you ready to get involved?
Ways to donate
Donations have an immediate and long-term impact. Your support means young people have the resources and pathways to reach their education and career goals.
Partnership opportunities
Let’s create hands-on learning opportunities and build career pathways together. Grow your organization’s engagement, build your talent pipeline, and be a part of community impact.