FONTANA – Several dozen high school students are learning real-world employability skills at Etiwanda High School as part of a model partnership between the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and the Fontana Chamber of Commerce.
 
The Professional Skills Certificate program offers training to more than 60 students over six Saturdays through mid-November on subjects ranging from dressing for success to how to get promoted to conflict resolution. Business owners and managers are teaching the courses, offering real-world insight on how to succeed in the workplace.
 
The program was developed by the Chaffey District in partnership with the Fontana Chamber, and represents a new way of thinking when it comes to addressing the labor needs of local businesses, said Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, who helped establish the newly created Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition. Local school districts meet regularly with business and community leaders to discuss ways to better prepare Fontana students for the workforce.
 
“Our whole approach in Fontana is bringing like-minded stakeholders together to address the needs of businesses while creating career opportunities for our young people. The Professional Skills Certificate program is a wonderful example of how, in a collaborative model, we can build a workforce of the future,” Warren said.
 
The first classes were held Sept. 7. Additional sessions are scheduled for Sept. 21, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 16. Business leaders who are participating in the program include: Julie Kelly (Santa Fe Machine Works), Jason Zara (World Financial Group), Phillip Cothran (Goosehead Insurance), Holly Stiver (Crown Technical Systems), Amy Loera (Tio’s Mexican Restaurants), Raj Sangha (Dhindsa Group of Companies), Vanessa Ortiz (Globally Exclusive), Artina McIntosh (Empowering Success Now) and Ken Lindt (Harbor Truck Bodies).
 
After completing the coursework, students will receive certification, which they can include in their resumes.
 
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of the Chamber and individual businesses in providing students with this valuable training,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey District. “It’s a significant investment of time and resources on their part, but the payoff will be even bigger, in terms of how their knowledge and expertise will positively impact students’ lives.”
 
Fontana Chamber President Phil Cothran, whose son is teaching one of the classes, said the Professional Skills Certificate program will help students understand what is required of them in the workplace.
 
“Fontana is an ideal community to establish this kind of working relationship between schools, the business community and local government,” said Cothran, who also serves as Chairman of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB). “The fact that nearly 30% of our population is under the age of 18 creates a sustainable labor pool that can and will drive even more business opportunities for our community.”
 
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About the Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition
The Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition is an intentional network of schools, businesses and local leaders committed to helping prepare students in the city for current and future job and career opportunities. With 214,000 residents and a robust business climate, Fontana has emerged as an economic and population hub in the Inland Empire and Southern California. Strategic partners in the Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition include the City of Fontana, the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, Fontana Unified School District, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Colton Joint Unified School District, Etiwanda School District and Chaffey College. Among those providing critical support are the Lewis Group of Companies, Building Industry Association Baldy View Chapter, Fontana’s representative on the San Bernardino County Board of Education, the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board.

Contact:   Steve Lambert, The 20/20 Network
                 (909) 841-7527/ steve@the2020network.com

Mary Calta graduated from California State University at Los Angeles with a BA in Music and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education.

Mary is a former Middle School teacher of 32 years.  After leaving her teaching career in 2012, Mary joined the Fontana Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador. She also belongs to a few organizations such as Business Network International (BNI), The Rock Church, and World Outreach Center in San Bernardino.

Mary is currently an independent associate of Legal Shield. Mary enjoys traveling and working with young people and being a part of networking organizations.

You can contact Mary at:
Phone: 213-200-5041
Email: marycalta@prodigy.net​