San Bernardino, CA – An agreement between San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) will help at-risk and low-income students acquire the training and develop the skills to meet future workforce needs.
The agreement will provide the district with a Workforce Development Coordinator for the next three years. The coordinator will connect students with work-based learning opportunities, through collaborations with the San Bernardino County Community College District, the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board and businesses in the county.
Participating students will have the opportunity to participate in internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing – part of a broader, and much-heralded, district strategy to develop career pathways that strengthen students from cradle to career.
Preparing students for both college and the workplace through hands-on learning has been a major focus for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden.
“It is important for all students to be prepared for success in the workforce because most occupations in our diverse and changing economy will require at least some postsecondary training,” Marsden said. “This new initiative will prepare students who are in career pathways now for jobs right here in our community and we hope that means more of our graduates will live and work here.”
SBCUSD has been working closely with the Workforce Development Board in developing and promoting career pathways for its more than 49,000 students. Its Linked Learning program brings together strong academics, a demanding technical education and real-world experiences to help students gain an advantage in high school, post-secondary education and careers.
“The work that Dr. Marsden and his team have done is a model for how to prepare students for an increasingly competitive job market,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos, whose Third District includes much of the City of San Bernardino. “We’re proud to partner with SBCUSD in making sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, and in turn, meeting the needs of our businesses and industries.”
“Our partnership with Dr. Marsden and his team will help drive a pathway for sustainable economic growth throughout the City of San Bernardino and the region as a whole,” said County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, whose Fifth District includes the city. “We look forward to working even more closely to strengthen the relationships between our schools, our businesses and the workforce systems that are being put in place.”
Tony Myrell, Chairman of the Workforce Development Board, said the relationship with the city’s school district represents a tremendous opportunity for regional economic prosperity.
“Throughout our county, we’re seeing more and more trained, qualified employees entering the workforce. Employers are noticing that, and are eager to work with us to help prepare students to meet current and future workforce needs,” Myrell said.
About the San Bernardino City Unified School District
The San Bernardino City Unified School District is the ninth largest in California, with an enrollment of about 49,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The District operates 72 schools serving the cities of San Bernardino and Highland and the unincorporated communities of Devore and Muscoy. SBCUSD is one of the largest employers in the area, with nearly 8,000 employees. The District’s graduation rate has steadily increased and currently stands at 91 percent.
About the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The WDB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment in line with the Countywide Vision.
The Workforce Development Board, through the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, offers a variety of programs designed to help youth and adults identify career pathways and get the appropriate training and skills. Programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provide eligible youth, ages 16 to 24, access to a variety of career and educational services designed to help enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options, participate in adult and peer mentoring opportunities, and take advantage of work experiences. In addition, the WDB operates San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC). The AJCCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The AJCCs also support and provide services to the County’s businesses, including employee recruitment and business retention programs.
Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Development Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.sbcounty.gov/workforce.
