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Stirling Capital Investments and Prologis Donate Facility to Victor Valley Community College for High Desert Workforce Training Center

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Partnership ties into Prologis’ recently launched Community Workforce Initiative to build a pipeline of talent for jobs in logistics

Victorville, CA (May 6, 2019) — Stirling Capital Investments (SCI) and Prologis, Inc., the global leader in logistics real estate, today announced a 10-year agreement with the Victor Valley Community College (VVCC) to create a new High Desert training center at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA). Stirling and Prologis are donating an existing building for a 10-year term and VVCC will facilitate hands-on training programs to better prepare the High Desert workforce in skills needed in business today.

Superintendent-President Daniel Walden, Ph.D of the VVCC, who will be operating the new High Desert Training Center, stated, “We have an opportunity to work with our local manufacturing, transportation and logistics industries, among others, to better understand the skill sets businesses need today and for the future. The goal of the new training center is to be responsive to what will propel the economy of the High Desert region forward.”

“The City of Victorville is pleased to see our relationship with VVCC expanding at SCLA,” said Victorville Mayor Gloria Garcia. “We remain excited that our community will have new opportunities and pathways to employment with our growing industries at SCLA.”

Stirling President & CEO Dougall Agan added, “SCLA is home to a number of major manufacturers and employers which provide us with immediate input on what our local businesses need to continue to grow. Qualified, highly skilled employees are always in demand when businesses are relocating to a new region for expansion or planning future investment.

We are excited to help make this new training center a reality.”

To help address labor shortages in the logistics sector, Prologis last fall launched its Community Workforce Initiative (CWI). The program debuted in Los Angeles and as of this writing has expanded to Chicago and Miami.

“CWI is an extension of our commitment to deliver superior customer service while strengthening communities, enhancing local economies and helping our customers address labor needs and expand their talent pipelines,” said Kim Snyder, president of Prologis’ West Region and a key member of the team that developed the program. “Through CWI, Prologis will collaborate with local workforce programs to provide mentorship, skills training, internships and job placement services for people interested in pursuing careers in logistics, distribution and transportation—sectors currently experiencing a significant labor shortage.”

Snyder added, “One of the benefits of having this training center at SCLA is that it helps support our current and future customers by providing an in-place workforce as well as training for additional skills that could be useful in the advancement of their manufacturing procedures.”

“We appreciate the support of business partners such as Stirling and Prologis who are helping attract and train a larger pool of skilled workers,” said San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board Chair Tony Myrell. “Similar to the impact of the InTech Center in Fontana, we expect the High Desert Training Center will be a game changer in providing the training that helps position the Inland Empire’s skilled workforce as a competitive advantage and attracts companies looking to expand in or relocate to Southern California. The County looks forward to helping create the classrooms and hands-on instruction required to build a quality training center that supports the growing skilled labor pool in the High Desert for many years to come.”

Stirling has long supported the County of San Bernardino as a major investor in the area. Stirling’s Vice President, Asset Services & Corporate Relations, Anita Tuckerman, was appointed by Supervisor Robert Lovingood to serve on the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board.

“This High Desert training center will bring accessibility to individuals within the High Desert and surrounding areas to acquire in-demand manufacturing skills to better position them for employment in living-wage and higher-paying positions with growth potential,” First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood said. “This center is the result of the active engagement of Victor Valley Community College, San Bernardino County Workforce Development and industry

partners such as Stirling and Prologis, who have partnered to provide a facility that is tailored to the workforce needs of local industry. Our County leadership is committed to building a strong, pro-business region and we are proud to be a partner in the development of this High Desert training center.”

Originally built in the 1970s as part of the former George Air Force Base, SCI has adopted a creative reuse plan for the approximately 66,000 square foot structure, which is now undergoing an extensive remodel and upgrade to accommodate the VVCC training center and other tenants. Stirling Development’s in-house team is overseeing the design and construction process to transform the building into the high-tech facility envisioned by the VVCC.

Stirling Capital Investments has completed more than 4.5 million square feet of Class-A industrial warehouse and distribution facilities at SCLA. Notable global tenants at the project are Newell Brands (the parent company for brands such as Rubbermaid®, Graco ®, Mr. Coffee®, Food Saver®, Yankee Candle® and Sharpie®), Plastipak Packaging, Arden Companies, United Furniture, Dr. Pepper/Snapple, Red Bull, Mission Foods, Sparkletts, General Electric, FedEx and more.

 

About Stirling Development

Stirling Development is a Foothill Ranch, Calif.-based strategic, full-service, value-added development company specializing in master-planned communities and major land renovations. Stirling is led by partners Dougall Agan and Chris Downey, who have been responsible for more than $3 billion in development activity on large-scale land development projects in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Stirling’s joint venture partner for SCLA is Prologis, Inc., the global leader in logistics real estate. For more information, visit www.stirlingdevelopment.com.

About Prologis

Prologis, Inc. is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. As of March 31, 2019, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 772 million square feet (72 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern distribution facilities to a diverse base of approximately 5,100 customers across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment. For more information, visit www.prologis.com.

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

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Education

Over 2 Million CA High School Seniors & College Students Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships Worth Up to $1,500 for College or Career Training

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As college acceptance and financial aid letters arrive, California’s high school seniors and college students have a major opportunity through the CalKIDS program to ease their education costs. CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education.

This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500—helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education. Eligible students can use their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and computer equipment. Since 2022, approximately $1 billion in CalKIDS Scholarships have been made available to more than 2 million of California’s public high school students.

To get the word out about this amazing program and ensure students and families are aware of and claim their CalKIDS Accounts, the ScholarShare Investment Board has established partnerships with high schools, school districts, community-based organizations, and financial aid directors at community colleges and universities across the state. Through a recent back-to-school campaign, these partnerships helped drive nearly 100,000 new scholarship claims in just four months.

“CalKIDS is an incredible resource for California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, whether that means college, trade schools, or technical and vocational schools. This investment is designed to support students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. We want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick and easy. Families simply need the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a ten-digit number, which can be obtained by contacting their school directly. Once they have the SSID, parents or students can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim a scholarship account in just minutes.

The funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and career programs across the country. Once enrolled in a higher education program, students can log into their CalKIDS Account to request a distribution directly to their school to cover qualifying educational expenses.

For students like Samantha from Moreno Valley College, a CalKIDS Scholarship was a game-changer. “I felt very fortunate and less stressed … it was a huge help. I used the money for books and testing materials for school.”

“Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director. “CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistance—they’re an investment in students’ futures, and we want to give every one of these students a reason to believe in their path to higher education.”

With roughly 60% of California public school students eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship and key college decision and financial aid deadlines approaching, now is the time for students and families to check their eligibility and claim their scholarship account. For more information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, and how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, visit CalKIDS.org.

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California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Inspires at Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit

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Resilience and Readiness: Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges at the Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit

In an effort to address the lingering impacts of the pandemic on education and workforce readiness, the fourth annual Inland Empire Education and Workforce Summit took place at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center on April 24. This year’s event, organized by Think Together in collaboration with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, saw a packed house of educators, business leaders, and elected officials.

The summit kicked off with an insightful presentation by Dr. Alex McDonald from Kaiser Permanente, shedding light on the intersection of healthcare, education, and workforce development. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the summit underscored the importance of initiatives that enhance overall community well-being while supporting academic success.

Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together, set an inspiring tone by introducing Jusbith Aguayo, a student speaker from Eisenhower High School, who shared her personal journey and highlighted the significant impact of educational support programs on students’ lives. Aguayo’s testimony emphasized the transformative power of education and community collaboration in overcoming barriers to success, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Following Aguayo’s heartfelt speech, Barth led an expert panel comprising leaders from education, workforce development, and healthcare sectors. Dr. Angelo Farooq, Dr. Carol Tsushima, Dr. Scott Price, Dr. Douglas Mack, and Connie Leyva engaged in discussions centered on preparing students for success in the workforce amidst the ongoing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

A highlight of the summit was the keynote address delivered by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. Thurmond emphasized the critical importance of equitable access to quality education and stressed the necessity for sustained collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders. His address resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the collective commitment to ensuring the success and prosperity of students across the Inland Empire.

Thurmond capped off the event, commending the efforts to bridge the gap between school-day learning and future success through afterschool programs that expose students to career-ready experiences. He emphasized the importance of investments in apprenticeship programs, paid internships, and workforce readiness initiatives to ensure students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the real world.

For more information about Think Together and their impactful programs, visit www.thinktogether.org. Additionally, to learn more about the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to support commerce and economic growth, visit www.iechamber.org.

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Education

Unlocking Potential: Fostering Inclusion and Innovation through Entrepreneurial Education at REAL Journey Academies

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The REAL Journey Academies Entrepreneur High School Model / Inclusive Education Programming

Inclusive education is a fundamental right for all students.  REAL Journey Academies was founded on this principal. The unique high school programs of Entrepreneur High Schools in Fontana and San Bernardino integrate entrepreneurship and career & technical education (CTE) to offer a unique opportunity to unlock the potential of students and prepare them for success in the constantly evolving century workforce. By providing tailored support, fostering self-confidence, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills, our unique high school program empowers students with IEPs and hidden talents to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

This white paper explores the values of  our entrepreneurship focused high school program for students with IEPs and hidden talents, highlighting the program’s potential to promote inclusion, boost self-esteem and cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.  The value proposition of our programming, in relationship to inclusive education, include:

  1. Promoting Inclusion:
    • Our entrepreneurship focused program focuses on full inclusion by providing students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs and hidden talents, with opportunities to actively participate in hands-on, experiential learning experiences.
    • By embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, the entrepreneurship focused program of REAL Journey Academies empowers all students to realize their full potential and become active members of their communities.
  2. Boosting Self-Esteem:
    • Entrepreneurship focused programming at its core boost self-esteem and confidence by recognizing and celebrating students’ individual strengths, interests, and talents.
    • Through project-based learning and real-world experiences, students in an Entrepreneur High School have the opportunity to showcase their skills, gain recognition for their achievements, and build a positive sense of self-worth.
    • Our program is designed to give students the support and encouragement they need to overcome challenges, set ambitious goals, and pursue pathways to success that align with their unique abilities and aspirations.
  3. Cultivating a Culture of Innovation:
    • Our entrepreneurship focused program cultivates a culture of innovation by encouraging students to think creatively, problem-solve collaboratively, and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
    • By providing students with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to explore their passions and develop their talents, the unique Entrepreneur High School Program is designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning and skills associated entrepreneurship.
    • Through extensive work-based learning experiences and real-world projects, Entrepreneur High School students have the opportunity to unleash their creativity, tap into their potential, and make meaningful contributions to society.

The REAL Journey Academies’ entrepreneurship focused high school program has immense value for all students, including those with IEPs and hidden talents. By promoting inclusion, boosting self-esteem, and cultivating a culture of innovation, at its foundation our program is designed to empower students to overcome barriers, fulfill their potential, and pursue their dreams. As we strive to build a more equitable and inclusive society, investing in developing entrepreneurial skills in students with diverse learning needs is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in our collective future

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