SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Youth Program is an initiative aimed at helping young people in San Bernardino County prepare for and secure employment opportunities. The program focuses on providing youth aged 16-24 with paid work experience, job readiness and job placement. 

According to the county, current Workforce Development Youth participants work in healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, transportation and construction.  

Through partnerships with local employers, San Bernardino county has placed 788 young people in jobs for program year 2022 – 2023. This provides them with work experience and the opportunity to earn a living wage. In addition to job placement, the program also offers ongoing support services such as career counseling, mentorship, and job retention assistance to help participants build long-term careers.

The California Association of Health & Education Linked Professions (CAHELP) administers the program for these areas in the High Desert:

• Adelanto
• Apple Valley
• Big Bear City
• Big Bear Lake
• Crestline
• Hesperia
• Lake Arrowhead
• Lucerne Valley
• Running Springs
• Victorville
• Wrightwood

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The program is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Under WIOA, eligible youth are also able to receive supportive services such as transportation, housing assistance and child care. The law emphasizes the importance of work-based learning opportunities, which allow youth to gain real-world experience and develop job-specific skills.

For more information about the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Youth Program and eligibility requirements contact CAHELP Program Manager Adrienne Shepherd at (760) 646-8000, ext. 359 or [email protected] 

Visit the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Youth website at https://wp.sbcounty.gov/workforce/youth/