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 post-secondary 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.