A.V. Chamber to host leadership training

published by mhaprov on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 09:44

‘Leadership Connection Program’ geared towards young adults

BY RENE DE LA CRUZ
Apple Valley Review

This April a group of young adults will have their lives shaped by the efforts of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Partnering with the Rancho Cucamonga based Career Institute, the chamber will host an eight-week Leadership Connection Program, pairing local adult mentors with 10 young candidates, ages 18 to 21.

The institute’s goal is to connect the youth with local business and community leaders to assist them in the areas of education, career and life planning as they enter adulthood.

Other goals include connecting youth with regional and local resources and exploring networking and career opportunities.

High Desert Youth Services Director Cynthia Harris said she’s excited about the program.

“We’re looking for those youth that have leadership ability and are ready to do something more,” Harris said.

Youth candidates are selected from those who’ve participated with the institute for at least one year, and who’ve shown initiative and an eagerness to develop life skills.

Local mentors come from various backgrounds.

“We’re looking for those that have a history in Apple Valley and are interested in helping young people,” Harris said.

The kick off begins April 8 when the young adults, AVCC leaders and CI staff will meet for lunch and hear local guest speakers.

This will be the third year that Apple Valley will host the mentorship program.

Besides the one-on-one training, youth participants will take weekly tours of various venues in the High Desert. Most of the locations employ a large workforce which hire for a variety of jobs, including the Mitsubishi Cement Plant, Southern California Logistics Airport and St. Mary Medical Center.

Harris says that many youth pursue college or work outside of the area and do not return because they think that there are few opportunities to work in the High Desert.

“I want them to see that St. Mary’s hires administrative, janitorial and culinary positions.” Harris said. “There is more to working in a hospital than being a doctor or nurse.”

The program ends July 28 with a graduation and award ceremony at the Apple Valley Country Club.

For more information contact the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce at (760) 242-2753 or click on at www.avchamber.org

Rene De La Cruz may be reached at Rene@AppleValley-Review.com.