More than $48 million in funding unveiled, including nearly $6 million to advance the academy’s maritime workforce and economic development — among more than $8 million of investment in the Bay/Delta region’s shipbuilding sector  

Contact: Matt Lazier
805-756-7109; mlazier@calpoly.edu  

VALLEJO, Calif. — Cal Poly Maritime Academy hosted Gov. Gavin Newsom, California State University Chancellor Mildred García, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and state, regional and university leaders Wednesday on Mare Island for the announcement of $48.5 million in California Jobs First investments designed to strengthen key industries, expand workforce development and support the creation of 20,000 jobs statewide. 

The announcement included more than $8.2 million for the Bay/Delta region’s shipbuilding sector to strengthen innovation, expand workforce development and curriculum, and improve coordination across the region’s shipbuilding network. 

As part of that regional investment, Cal Poly Maritime Academy has been awarded $5.8 million in California Jobs First funding to advance maritime workforce and industry development initiatives, including the creation of a maritime career pathway — designed from elementary through career, aligning school districts, community colleges, apprenticeships, and baccalaureate degrees and a new innovation center on Mare Island, which will serve as a hub for industry to access technical assistance, shared lab space and equipment, and connect with investors. 

This initiative will bring together education, applied research, technology development and workforce preparation to help strengthen California’s maritime industrial base and build pathways into high-demand maritime and advanced manufacturing careers. 

“This investment into the Bay/Delta’s shipbuilding industry demonstrates what is possible when higher education, industry and the state work together to create economic opportunity for all Californians,” Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said. “Cal Poly Maritime Academy brings our Learn by Doing approach to one of California’s most important industries, preparing individuals for successful careers while helping drive innovation and job creation across the state.” 

Newsom made the announcement on Mare Island with the Training Ship Golden Bear serving as the backdrop. Armstrong, García, Cal Poly Solano Campus Vice President and CEO Corey Cook and other university and regional leaders joined the governor for the event. 

The statewide awards span 18 projects across eight economic regions and 33 counties and represent the final round of implementation funding through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative. 

The investment comes as Cal Poly Maritime Academy expands its role in maritime education, workforce development and applied research while further strengthening connections between Cal Poly’s San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses. 

About Cal Poly Maritime Academy 

Cal Poly Maritime Academy, located in Vallejo, California, is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast and a nationally recognized public maritime university on the Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University. It prepares students for leadership roles in maritime operations, engineering, logistics, business, global supply chains and national security. Through Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy, students train hands-on in classrooms and labs and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear. For more information, visit maritime.calpoly.edu.

About Cal Poly 

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 23,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit www.calpoly.edu. 

Top Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and Capt. Samar Bannister with Cal Poly Maritime Academy speak with academy cadets aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear. Photo by Brittany Hoses-Small