San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. welcomed more than 250 high school juniors and seniors for the Fifth District College and Career Day, the largest group of students hosted since the event began.
Students from Colton Joint Unified School District, Rialto Unified School District, San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino County Schools, Entrepreneur High School and Aquinas High School participated in a day focused on preparing them for life after graduation.
The event connected students directly with San Bernardino County departments, educational institutions, community organizations, public safety agencies and workforce partners to introduce them to the wide range of opportunities available in their own communities.
This year, the event expanded its programming with hands-on workshops focused on practical skills students can immediately use as they prepare for college and the workforce. Students learned how to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, search for employment and better understand what employers look for in prospective candidates.
Students also heard directly from professionals representing San Bernardino County Human Resources, Workforce Development, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, County Fire and the Sheriff’s Department, giving them an inside look at careers ranging from healthcare and public safety to government and public service.
Throughout the event, students explored resource booths featuring County departments and community partners, including local colleges, workforce organizations, law enforcement agencies, skilled trades and youth-serving organizations.
“It doesn’t happen often where people who hold elected offices bring these kinds of opportunities to our students, and so when they do, we should uplift that,” said Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity and Access with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. “So, if you have the chance, thank the Supervisor for that.”
For students, the event provided an opportunity to think beyond a single career path and connect directly with professionals who could help them take their next step.
“I’m looking to do airplane mechanics, and today I learned about opportunities I didn’t even know were an option. It showed me that you should look at all your opportunities and see if there’s something that interests you that you’ve never thought about before,” said Jarutzi Uribe, a student from Inland Empire Job Corps.
Supervisor Baca encouraged students who already know what they want to pursue—as well as those who are still figuring it out—to remain curious and take advantage of opportunities to explore.
“Our goal is for every student to leave here knowing that there are opportunities available to them and people in their community who want to help them succeed,” said Supervisor Baca. “Whether their next step is college, a trade, public service or entering the workforce, we want our young people to have the tools and connections to move forward with confidence. Their future is not limited by where they begin.”
The Fifth District College and Career Day is part of Supervisor Baca’s continued effort to connect young people with educational, workforce and career pathways while strengthening partnerships between schools, County departments and community organizations.