Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is pledging a $1.5 million grant to support job training at its hometown Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This local investment will be made over the next four years in collaboration with the Port of Seattle with an initial contribution to Port Jobs, a nonprofit committed to preparing workers for the Port of Seattle economy.

In the first year, Alaska’s grant will help Port Jobs expand access to college courses through Airport University, effectively doubling the number of courses, college credits and students. The grant will also enable Port Jobs to add more advanced courses than currently offered.

Alaska Airlines has been involved with Port Jobs since its inception in 1993, with several key executives serving on its board of directors.

The Port of Seattle supports more than 200,000 jobs and generates $6.8 billion in payroll. Alaska Airlines employs more than 7,000 workers at the company and partner vendors in the Seattle area—more than any other air carrier. Over the duration of the jobs training grant, Alaska expects to fill 2,000 family-wage jobs in the Seattle market, and will work closely with the Port of Seattle and Port Jobs to prioritize hiring graduates of the program.

Port Jobs has served more than 78,400 community residents and helped more than 12,300 people find jobs since its creation in 1993. It is funded by the Port of Seattle, city of Seattle, King County, the state of Washington, United Ways of King and Snohomish counties, and many local and national foundations.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-4Q8 N771AS (msn 25104) taxies at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub.

Alaska Airlines: