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Chamber Connection SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | APRIL 202 1
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Expands Support for Education and Workforce Preparation The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has long prioritized support for education, particularly as it ensures a strong local talent pipeline for the workforce. Recognizing that this work is among the most important ways to support our local economy, the Chamber is excited to announce a formal partnership with Partners in Education, a non-profit operating under the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO). The Chamber has a strong history of collaboration with SBCEO and individual local school districts, supporting programming that connects the business community to local schools and students. The Computer Connections program has provided computers to students in need since its inception in 2002. Events like Principal for a Day and Youth of the Month have showcased local students and leadership in education. By partnering in a more formal and intentional way with SBCEO’s Partners in Education (Partners), the Chamber will expand its impact in developing the local workforce in the Santa Maria Valley. “Santa Barbara County’s students have benefitted from the robust, long-standing partnership we’ve had with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. The Chamber has been instrumental in connecting local students and schools with the business community,” explained Dr. Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools. “We are
The Chamber's partnership with the Partners in Education nonprofit includes promoting programs like their Computers for Families program, which has provided over 500 computers to local families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. excited to build on this partnership through a formal collaboration between Partners and the Chamber, which will translate into hands-on career exploration opportunities for youth in Northern Santa Barbara County.” More specifically, through the partnership with Partners, the Chamber will connect the Santa Maria Valley business community to opportunities to participate in workforce development programming, including: • Hosting (or sponsoring) paid student internship experiences
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Ensuring students and families have access to technology by donating gently used computers or hardware to the Computers for Families program, which refurbishes and distributes the equipment • Personally engaging in schoolbased or essential skills-building programs (e.g., career coaching, guest speaking, mock interviews, etc.) “Providing ways for the community to Continued on p.2
WHAT ' S INSIDE : APRIL 2021 ISSUE
Leadership Mobile Observatory p. 3
Chamber Membership Corner p. 6
Chamber Month in Review p. 7
