FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2005

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES) has been awarded a $35,000 grant by the Unified Port of San Diego for the College's new Professional Certificate in Maritime Careers program.

CES received the largest grant of the nearly $454,000 that the Port Commission awarded to 39 community organizations as part of its annual financial assistance program for groups which hold events benefiting port-administered tidelands.

"Our Maritime Careers program is specifically designed to provide for the continuing demand for skilled professions in all aspects of Maritime studies," said William E. Byxbee, CES dean. "It is particularly gratifying to receive this recognition from the Port Commission. It says in a very clear and fundamental way that the College of Extended Studies at SDSU is attuned to the needs of our community and is always prepared to meet those needs with new and innovative programming."

CES launched its Professional Certificate in Maritime Careers program last month. The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in the shoreside/waterfront and/or oceangoing maritime industry. Some classes are held off-site, and a hands-on approach is incorporated.

Among those who will attend the program are entry level workers, deckhands, navigators, estimators, waterfront security guards, planners/schedulers, project managers, facilities managers, and contract administrators.

"A certificate such as the one offered by San Diego State's College of Extended Studies clearly prepares people to advance their career in the booming maritime industry," said Michael Bixler, commissioner, Board of Port Commissioners for the Unified Port of San Diego. "A certificate is a very important qualification to help people toward this exciting career opportunity."

For more information on the Professional Certificate in Maritime Careers program offered through CES, please call (619) 594-6255 or visit www.NeverStopLearning.net.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 30 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.