Students at Blanson Career and Technical Education (CTE) High School are turning opportunity into artistry after receiving a donated vehicle from Port Houston. The partnership led to the donation of a 2007 Ford Ranger, which Port Houston representatives jokingly referred to as “the little truck that could.” When the vehicle arrived on campus, it was far from road-ready, with dull and rusted paint, and was not in a driveable condition.
In just three months, Blanson’s collision repair students transformed the vehicle, restoring it from the ground up.
Edward Diaz, a junior at Blanson’s CTE program, embraced the challenge.
The restoration process included sanding the truck down to its surface, repairing dents, applying body filler to eliminate imperfections and priming the vehicle for a fresh finish. For Diaz, the project confirmed his career aspirations.
“This is what I want to do,” Diaz said. “Throughout the entire process, I never felt bored. I was excited to complete this project and learned the importance of having good connections. I’ve always loved cars, but working on this truck confirmed this is what I want to do in the future.”
The donated truck was previously a part of Port Houston’s fleet maintenance vehicles and used across its properties. Due to its age, it was no longer in service and became eligible for donation. The organization’s Workforce Development department, which oversees maritime education and outreach, facilitated the partnership.
For more than 15 years, Port Houston has focused on developing the next generation of maritime and logistics professionals through its education programs. These initiatives support Career and Technical Education pathways, including maritime, and distribution and logistics programs. Jacqueline Young, Workforce Development Manager at Port Houston and a member of Aldine ISD’s CTE advisory board, said the partnership is rooted in providing students with hands-on, real-world experiences.
“These types of careers are not going to be replaced by AI,” Young said. “This partnership is about investing in students and preparing them for the future.”
Young added that the collaboration creates a direct pipeline between industry and education, particularly at Blanson CTE High School, where programs align closely with workforce needs.
“The advisory board listens to industry needs, and when those needs are identified, we work to deliver,” Young said. “Port Houston is here to ensure students receive foundational learning opportunities.”
The donation originated during a fall advisory board meeting, when Blanson staff expressed a need for a vehicle for the art car parade. Workforce Development Program Coordinator Devan Short coordinated with internal departments to secure approval for the donation. The vehicle was delivered to the campus in January, and students immediately began restoration work.
Beyond the project, Port Houston leads the charge in exposing students to career opportunities available within the Houston region.
“The Port is about creating jobs,” Young said. “We offer opportunities in maritime, distribution and logistics, automotive, and more. Students don’t have to look far — these careers are right here in their backyard.”
Young noted that approximately 50% of the region’s maritime workforce are over the age of 50, highlighting the need to develop the next generation of talent. Through partnerships with districts like Aldine ISD, that development begins as early as middle school. Blanson CTE High School’s Shawn Bingham, and his Distribution and Logistics program, is one of Port Houston’s stand out maritime programs. Through its four-year programs, Port Houston introduces students to maritime and logistics careers while helping build a strong, sustainable workforce pipeline for the future.
Aldine ISD had several campuses participating in the 39th Annual Houston Art Car Parade, including Impact Leadership Academy, Aldine High School, and Avalos P-Tech. The latter received a car generously donated by the East Aldine Council. The visual arts department of Aldine supports these creative initiatives.