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GEM of a Summer Program Offered at CSUSB August 6-17, 2012

San Bernardino –  “The 2012 GEM Leadership Program will be held August 6-17 at California State University, San Bernardino,” announced Ernest Dowdy, Executive Director of SBETA. “Once again, we are proud to sponsor this highly successful 11-day program, providing interactive, career-focused education for at-risk, low-income young adults, 17 to 21 years of age.” The program strives to promote positive experiences, plus a proactive diversion from the negative influences daily impacting youth, such as neighborhood gangs and drugs.

SBETA, the City of San Bernardino Employment and Training Agency, has been a major supporter of this unique event, which has occurred annually on local college campuses for more than 29 years. GEM stands for Growth, Excellence and Maturity. Activities include mentoring, tutoring, career planning, leadership/ communication skills’ training, computer classes, and job-search workshops. An ROP certificate is awarded to every participant, who earn approximately $500, while participating in the program.

During the two-week leadership program, the youth live in college dorms. Skilled facilitators work with them to form a unique “city”. The participants select a mayor, judge, chief of police, and town council members, then work together to create “working institutions” like a newspaper, bank, store, restaurant, and theater. This hands-on, positive community experience helps young participants more fully understand how local government functions. As the participants live within these roles, they govern themselves, develop civic pride, learn about careers and job skills, and take personal responsibility.

The Media Day will be held on August 14 at 3:30 p.m. At this time, program participants will present their projects. Public officials are welcome to attend and meet with GEM program participants at this time. Members of the media are also welcome.

Applications are now being accepted and can be picked up at the SBETA* headquarters, located at 600 N. Arrowhead Avenue, Suite 300, San Bernardino. To learn more about the program, contact Annette Kelly at 909-888-7881/TDD1-800-735-2922 or annettekelly@sbeta.com.

*SBETA is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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