By TR Robertson
The monthly meeting of the Youth Enrichment Services Committee listened to a presentation by Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO, Bret Schanzenbach, concerning the Chambers work in the community with career education programs for middle school, high school, post-secondary school and transition programs. Bret began by explaining the purpose and success of the Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation programs (www.impactcarlsbad.com ), serving as a conduit between business, educational and extended community programs for students and transitioning military veterans. This Foundation began in 1993. He said the Chamber works in supporting businesses, governmental agencies, public safety programs, non-profits and schools. With over 1,000 members, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is the 2nd largest Chamber in San Diego County. One of the successful programs the Chamber supports is the Rising Star of the Month Program. At a monthly breakfast the Chamber recognizes a student from each of the public and private high schools in the Carlsbad area. The students recognized are those that have overcome challenges in their life and shown excellence in their respective school. He said these students are selected based on their character and growth. At the end of the school year, the students that have been selected are eligible to be selected for scholarships provided by the Chamber. Last year the Carlsbad Chamber awarded $15,000 in scholarships to students, honored at a presentation sponsored by the Chamber.
Another program available to assist students with career exploration is SoCal, Student Opportunities for Career Awareness Learning (www.socalworkforce.org ). This online program allows students to explore career choices and is divided into Industry, Company and Career sections. Students can click on and browse over 100 career choices to explore what it takes to be successful in these different careers. Education needed, a detailed explanation of the career, salaries available, a video interview with people in that career and much more is detailed for the student to browse. The videos are filmed on location at the various job locations for each of the careers explored. In each category of Industry, Company and Career there are main headings to click on that lead to numerous subheadings of that career. The web site description of the program states that it
“drives economic empowerment by elevating student awareness of career and educational opportunities across multiple industries and provides a forum for students to take meaningful steps toward participation in the workforce of tomorrow”.
Bret also said the Chamber is actively looking at programs to assist veterans transitioning from the military to the private sector. He said 9,000 veterans annually leave the military every year from Camp Pendleton. The Chambers Veterans Affairs Committee wants to see what they can do to provide some assistance with this transition. The partners for the Chamber Community Foundation include Tri-City Medical Center, San Diego North Economic Development Council, and Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Greater Escondido, San Marcos and Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. The Carlsbad Chamber is always looking for additional partners as the business and donors change in the North County. If interested in assisting, contact the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce at www.carlsbad.org or call 760-931-8400.
The December YES Meeting will be on Thursday, December 21st featuring presentations by Carlsbad High School Principal Ms. Julie Redfield and Sage Creek High School Principal Mr. Josh Way.
