We Work the Waterways hosts event for students

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — We Work the Waterways, a national maritime education outreach program, will host a Maritime Interaction Day on Friday, Feb. 6, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, bringing together high school students for an immersive introduction to careers in the maritime, river, and logistics industries.

The event will take place across three locations: Hinds Community College, the Maritime Training Center, and Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, where students will participate in a guided vessel tour. Throughout the day, students will engage directly with maritime professionals and companies that operate along the Mississippi River and throughout the region.

Maritime Interaction Days are designed to highlight the critical role America’s waterways play in supporting local communities, regional commerce, and the national supply chain. Through hands-on Explorer Dock stations and interactive demonstrations, students will learn about the wide range of career paths and opportunities available in maritime and related industries.

“We bring the industry to the students,” said Errin Howard, Executive Director of We Work the Waterways. “Our goal is to help young people understand how vital the maritime industry is to Mississippi’s economy and show them that there are exciting, family-sustaining career opportunities available right here in their own communities.”

Located along the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a key hub for inland river commerce, supporting industries such as towing, shipbuilding, logistics, manufacturing, and marine services. Connecting students with the professionals who keep these operations moving helps build awareness of the region’s workforce needs and inspires the next generation of maritime talent.

Throughout the event, students will participate in interactive activities including line handling, equipment demonstrations, safety exercises, navigation concepts, and vessel operations. Industry partners will share insights into careers spanning vessel operations, engineering, logistics, port operations, marine construction, environmental roles, and regulatory agencies.

Maritime Industry Partners for This Event Include:

• MARAD
• Golding Barge Line
• Yazoo River Towing
• Magnolia Marine Transport
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
• Marquette Transportation
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
• Big River Salvage & Construction
• Warren County Port Commission
• Ergon Marine Industrial Supply
• Hinds Community College
• Port of Rosedale
• Terral River Service
• Vicksburg Shipyard, LLC

Maritime Interaction Days reflect the collaboration between education, industry, and community partners working together to promote awareness of the economic, environmental, and cultural importance of America’s waterways.

We Work the Waterways remains committed to expanding awareness of maritime career opportunities while fostering appreciation for the industries that keep our rivers, ports, and communities thriving.

For additional information, contact Errin Howard at 513-403-9312 or visit www.weworkthewaterways.org.