Victorville, Calif. (July, 2 2018) – Options For Youth is taking local Victor Valley students to new and exciting heights through it’s Career Technical Education Program. Since its launch in 2016, OFY’s Career Technical Education Program has worked to prepare students for careers in fields like Solar and Construction, by pairing students with hands on experience and training to better equip them for careers.
With the solar industry growing 20% per year for the last five years, OFY CTE’s commitment to focusing on in demand career sectors led them to incorporate a Solar and Renewable Energy class into the program last fall.
High school senior at OFY-Victorville, Aaron Selman, is benefiting from his recent completion of the Construction Program and was offered a summer electrical job. Although Aaron ultimately did not accept the offer, he points out the endless opportunities the program offers to fellow students. “This program is easy if you’re willing to learn, and it can open doors for you and get you more opportunities in life”, Selman says.
Beyond engaged students and caring staff, Options for Youth’s partnership with local organizations are also to thank for the CTE programs growing success in the Victor Valley community. Victor Valley College (VVC) is a key partner of the OFY CTE program, and has offered students in the Victor Valley area even greater opportunities, such as VVC’s six-week tuition-free career readiness program offered to students this summer. The program builds on students experience in the field of construction technology, and qualifies them to receive a $500 scholarship to attend VVC in the fall, as well as receive $600 in tools. VVC and non-profit organization, Grid Alternatives, also invited OFY students to help install solar panels at a customer’s home in Apple Valley last month.
CTE Instructor, John Cain, looks forward to the continued success and growth of the program, and opportunities offered to students through the program. “The CTE program is still new and growing [but] we already have students attending VVC and getting part-time construction jobs, so it’s only going to improve as we continue to offer the program”, Cain says.
