BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield College has received a grant for over $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide 80 Job Corps-eligible students with career technical training and career guidance.
It has been projected by The Public Policy Institute of California that the state will experience a significant shortage by 2025 in the supply of college-educated workers to meet statewide demand by employers. State trends are magnified in Kern County, where only 10.5% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor's degree.
"As we look towards working our way out of the pandemic, education with a focus on employment is going to pave the way for so many families. No matter where our students are on their educational journey, BC is always looking for ways to guide and support Renegades towards brighter and secure futures," said BC's dean of instruction, Anthony Cordova.
Eligible students will be identified from a variety of the college's existing programs, such as Adult Education for continuing or returning adult students, Project HireUp which supports homeless students toward employment in 6 months, Rural Initiatives, Early College, and more.
"Grants like this supplement the support already available at Bakersfield College and allows us to continue transforming lives, offering the gift of education, pathways out of poverty, and connections for successful futures," said Cordova. He added, "We also couldn't do this without our industry partners. They help us craft these programs to address skills gaps and the needed skills for industry security, they offer intern programs with hands-on experience, and together, we're able to give Renegades careers for life."
To learn more about programs and certificates available at Bakersfield College, visit the college website.
