San Bernardino Valley College hosted the roundtable in their new 114,000-square-foot Applied Technology Building. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed for hands-on training, and it reflects how California’s Community Colleges are responding to regional demand. These institutions are California’s largest workforce engine, and they’re instrumental in building a talent pipeline to meet both local industry demand and statewide goals for economic mobility.

Guests toured the new facility and heard from education leaders, including Dr. Linda Vazquez, Assistant Vice Chancellor at California Community Colleges; Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District; Dr. Golvert Contreras, President of San Bernardino Valley College; and Dr. Vanessa Thomas, Dean of Applied Technology, Transportation, and Culinary Arts.

Following the presentations, legislative staff and community leaders talked about what’s needed across the Inland Empire to close workforce gaps and expand opportunity. From equity challenges to career pathways, the conversation focused on what it takes to align public investment with community-driven solutions. These types of exchanges help connect Sacramento’s policy direction with the day-to-day experiences of communities throughout our region.

IECF launched the Legislators’ Roundtable Series to strengthen that connection. When policymakers, educators, and community partners are in the same room, it becomes easier to align funding and strategy around shared priorities. Our region holds distinct opportunities and complex challenges. The Roundtable sessions are designed to help legislators recognize and respond to the full scope of what the Inland Empire contributes, and what it needs to thrive.

We’ll keep convening spaces like this to make sure the Inland Empire’s voice is clear in the decisions shaping our future. IECF’s next roundtable will take place this fall to continue the conversation around workforce and education. We’re grateful to everyone who is helping us build these connections and bring more attention to what matters here. To learn more, contact Graciela Moran, Manager, Office of Policy & Engagement.

This roundtable series is part of IECF’s broader commitment to bridging policy, philanthropy, and local priorities. When we lead with collaboration, we move the region forward.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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Youth Action Project (YAP) was launched in 1998 to create systems and programming that are led by youth voices. The organization creates opportunities for youth to develop new skills and habits that help them along the path to economic and social success. The organization works with over 1,500 young people annually through three major programs.

Young Scholars works with high school students in San Bernardino city and Rialto Unified School District. Afterschool programming pairs college students and recent college graduates with high-school students to provide mentorship, academic coaching and enrichment activities. Through the program, students identify their interests and strengths and build a path to future success. College-aged peers, who are often pursuing careers in teaching or social services, gain work experience while inspiring and guiding younger peers.

YAP recognizes that a lack of education and experience often hinders young people from pursuing careers and finding a well-paying job. Young Workers provides out-of-school opportunities to gain the skills and experience to enhance access to jobs with sustainable wages. The program provides case management that connects young people with work-readiness training, educational assistance and paid work experience. Alumni have secured jobs at nonprofits, government agencies, corporation and have also launched their own businesses.

“Our young people are amazing,” YAP’s co-founder and Executive Director Tremaine Mitchell said. “I am always enamored with the innovation, creativity and dedication that they have. Sometimes my job is just to get out of the way and let them lead me.”

YAP considers the overall needs of youth struggling to succeed and works with nonprofit partners to help them face the challenges. In addition to paid work experience, the organization helps with clothing, transportation and resources for housing if they are an obstacle.

For example, when YAP discovered that one of their volunteers, who had a bachelor’s degree, was living in her car with her children, they connected her with resources. A partner nonprofit organization assisted her with housing and hired her on staff. YAP was then able to secure a scholarship for her to continue her education and graduate with her master’s degree. Today, she stays connected with YAP and wants to help other youth overcome their challenges.

YAP’s third major program, Young Leaders Inc (YLinc), provides hands-on training in community outreach and digital marketing. YLinc is the organization’s issues advocacy and communication firm, supporting civic initiatives. Youth can receive free training in web design, social media, podcasting, and many other marketing skills.

Recently, YAP received a grant from the IE Black Equity Fund through the Inland Empire Community Foundation. While the organization has always focused on direct service, this grant will give YAP the foundation to enter the world of advocacy and create systemic change. Mitchell envisions working toward creating a future where students’ needs are met and organizations like YAP are not needed.

YAP depends on donations and grants to provide a full suite of services and welcomes donations. There is also a need for professionals interested in being guest speakers, mentors and offering job shadow opportunities. The organization is also always screening for additions to its board of directors.

YAP encourages the community to refer young people to their programming. Regardless of their starting point, YAP strives to match youth with a coach or mentor who will guide them through the journey to achieve economic sustainability.

“We meet youth wherever they are,” Mitchell said. “Whether it’s a high school student or a college grad, we put them on the path to goal attainment. I’m excited to see what this next generation of leaders is going to accomplish.”

More information: https://youthactionproject.org/ or (909) 381-1405

For over 80 years, the Inland Empire Community Foundation has worked to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. To stay in the know about grants, scholarships, funds and the generosity of our donors, sign up below for our monthly eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters!

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