Big Bear, CA, May 9th, 2016 – The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) through its Economic Development and Corporate Training (EDCT) Division has just been awarded a competitive grant by the California Community Colleges Chancellor Office (CCCCO). This $280,000.00 Industry Driven Regional Collaborative (IDRC) grant is one of eight such grants awarded by CCCCO and the only one to an Inland Empire college district.
The objective of this grant is to train and provide 168 parolees and probationers with stackable certificates for jobs in the Global Trade and Logistics sector. Working with community partners, a comprehensive program including certification in career readiness, logistical processes, safety, and forklift operations has been created. The EDCT proposal is to train 56 individuals in this class. A second training leading to a certificate in forklift operations will be offered to 112 participants.
“This award recognizes the crucial role community colleges play in the state’s economy and the economic development of the Inland Empire, said John Longville, president of the SBCCD Board of Trustees. “The mission of the EDCT is to stimulate the economic prosperity of the Inland Empire through workforce development and this program exemplifies the Division’s goal.”
Chancellor Bruce Baron noted that the City of San Bernardino houses 23% of the San Bernardino County parolees, and that without intervention and transitional support, including skills training, almost half of ex-offenders return to prison within one year and almost 60% within three years. These programs are vital to helping keep our communities safe.”
Dr. Matthew Isaac, Associate Vice Chancellor, said “This was a very competitive grant application process. We are very pleased to continue to improve the lives of individuals by assisting them in getting back to substantive employment. Congratulations are in order for Robert Levesque, Deanna Krehbiel and their team at the Professional Development Center
For additional information on the SBCCD, please contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Esq., District Communications and Public Relations at 909.382.4012, 805.717.0347 cell, or by email at asmoore@sbccd.edu.
