International Trade Education Programs Inc

EXP prepares students for a better life. Our programs help young people gain experience, unlock doors and build the confidence they need to succeed in school, career and life.

International Trade Education Programs, Inc. (ITEP) dba EXP, was established in 1999 by maritime industry leaders and founded by a former Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. They aimed to bridge the gap between the port industry's need for a skilled workforce and the local high school's struggle for graduate students. EXP recognized early on that the industry was changing in response to technology and external forces, and schools needed assistance adapting programs to respond to new industry realities.
In 2018, EXP undertook a thorough review of its organizational strategy and stakeholder perceptions, developing a five-year strategic plan including a new brand identity that would capture the depth and breadth of EXP program services throughout our service area. EXP - The opportunity engine, launched in September 2018.
From the humble beginning, serving a handful of students in one academy, International Trade Academy, at Phineas Banning High School in Wilmington, EXP has grown exponentially. In 2013, EXP programs touched the lives of 1,500 students. By 2019, EXP reached more than 6,000 students in Southern California. Today, EXP is proud to make its programs accessible to approximately 8,400 students in 15 schools spanning Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.
Over the past eight years, EXP has been a leader in fostering collaboration between community college and high school faculty, focusing on key business trends and aligning employer needs with effective training programs in the Orange County region through our Annual Power Breakfast.
In 2022, in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, EXP expanded its youth program services in the Orange County region. Working closely with OC Pathways schools, we have enhanced career pathways, small learning communities, and Career Technical Education (CTE) initiatives.
Today, EXP is proud to solidify its partnerships with the Tustin Unified School District and Vista Meridian Global Academy in Santa Ana, bringing industry relevance into classrooms and helping to prepare students for the future of work.
With a rich 25-year history, EXP is recognized as a premier college and career-focused youth workforce development partner in Southern California. With a team of 14 full-time and 2 part-time staff members and more than 400 volunteer industry professionals, EXP is steadfast in our commitment to making a difference.

During the 2023-2024 school year, EXP programs reached nearly 8,400 high school students at 15 Southern California high schools, spanning 19 pathways across five school districts in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.
2022-2023 Highlights:
• 8,400 students were introduced to positive education and career experiences in STEM and/or high-wage, high-growth careers.
• 2,850 students participated in EXP’s signature career exploration programs.
• 500 students engaged in industry mentorship.
• 125 students completed paid internships.
• 25 students participated in a week-long maritime immersion program.
• 22% of EXP industry partners currently employ EXP alumni.
• 655 dedicated community partners contributed their time and expertise through volunteer services.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the 2024-2025 School Year
• Expand pathway support to four schools in Orange County.
• Provide positive educational and career experiences to 8,400 high school students, with 75% demonstrating increased knowledge of college and career opportunities in STEM and high-wage/high-growth careers.
• Increase participation in EXP’s signature career exploration programs to 4,000 students.
• Offer mentoring and advisement to support the personal and professional growth of 500+ high school students.
• Enable 200 students to complete paid professional internships in high-wage and high-growth industry sectors.
• Increase the percentage of EXP industry partners employing EXP alumni.
Building a Stronger Foundation for Growth
EXP has embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen the foundation of our work. Collaborating with the Executive Service Corps of Southern California (ESC), we engaged stakeholders, board members, and staff to develop a comprehensive logic model. This model aligns our resources, activities, and desired outcomes, providing clarity and direction for future expansion.
With a solid foundation and clearly defined success metrics, EXP is well-positioned to scale its programs and adapt to new regions. This framework ensures that we can replicate our successes while addressing unique challenges and opportunities in emerging areas. Together, we are creating a future where every student has access to transformative educational and career experiences.

With rising inflation and the end of pandemic funding, nonprofits like EXP face increasing challenges in sustaining critical programs. In California, reduced funding and growing operational costs jeopardize services that empower youth with essential education and career opportunities.

Your Support Is Essential:

$250,000: General program operation costs for Orange County initiatives.
$100,000: Paid internships and apprenticeships for local high school students.
$40,000: Funding for our signature career exploration programs.

Your Time and Talent:

Strengthen partnerships with local businesses to provide hands-on work experiences.
Volunteer as mentors, advisory board members, mock interviewers, and guest speakers.
By investing in these efforts, you help bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping Orange County youth with the tools to succeed. Together, we can create transformative opportunities for the next generation.rs

EXP serves Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

Reflecting on the 2023-2024 school year, we proudly celebrate a transformative chapter in EXP’s story—a year defined by growth, transitions, and amplified impact. We successfully embraced new leadership, established a new home, and expanded our reach to Long Beach and Orange County while reinforcing our commitment to the schools and students we serve.
This year marks a milestone as participation numbers return to pre-pandemic levels—a testament to the resilience of our students, schools, and communities. With a continued commitment to meeting students where they are, we’ve strengthened our partnerships and doubled down on the innovative spirit that drives our mission.

Our core pillars—Exploration, Expression, Experience, and Expanded Opportunities—remain at the heart of all we do. Through these pillars, we’ve equipped students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate their futures. Whether through guest speaker sessions, industry coaching, or hands-on learning, our programs continue to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Our success is a testament to the transformative power of education and industry partnership. Through your commitment to EXP, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. I’m excited to build upon our collaborative efforts, confident that we can create a positive change that will shape the future of EXP and the community we serve.

I am reminded of a quote by Helen Keller: "Alone we do so little; together we can do so much."

As we look ahead, we are energized by the opportunities to expand our reach further and deepen our impact. Thank you for being part of our story. Together, we are shaping the future, one student at a time.

With Gratitude,
Mary