The Kern County Superintendent of Schools presented the Jobs Plus program to the board on Dec. 17, describing paid internships, workplace-readiness workshops and industry certification opportunities for students enrolled in alternative education.

Why it matters: Jobs Plus targets students who face barriers to employment and education, giving them paid internship experience and certifications intended to support graduation and transitions to work or postsecondary education.

Program details: Joe Cantu, a career associate, said the program is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and subgranted through ETR. "When our students had successfully completed the workshops and earned the career readiness certificates, they're eligible to work with 1 of our business partners as a paid intern earning minimum wage," Cantu said. Workshops include workplace harassment prevention, effective communication, workplace safety and time management. Students can earn certificates and industrial credentials — examples cited included forklift training, CPR and food-handler permits.

Business partners and locations: The presentation named local partners and sites where paid internships and work experiences are available, including a county-run daycare, the central kitchen, transportation and maintenance operations, and Bakersfield Roasting Company. Cantu said the Jobs Plus program follows participating students for four quarters (one year) after exit to assist with employment or education transitions. The program operates at the Blanton Center (off Truxtun Avenue) and at satellite campuses including Delano, Taft, Isabella and Mojave.

Student example: The board heard from Annie (Anay) Valencia, a student who completed Jobs Plus workshops, earned certifications and was serving as a paid intern at the Blanton daycare; trustees noted she will serve as the incoming student representative.

Board response and next steps: Trustees welcomed the presentation and asked logistical questions about eligibility; presenters said Jobs Plus serves students in alternative education who meet barriers-based criteria (for example, probation or basic-skills deficiency) and that participation is by identification and application through program staff. No formal board action was required for the informational presentation.

Ending: Trustees expressed support and said they plan to help publicize teacher-recruitment and student-employment opportunities across Kern County; presenters encouraged districts and partners to expand internship placements.