Cerritos College Launches Teacher Training Program for Youth at Risk for Gang Influence

$490K Grant from Governor to Fund the Program Implementation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2010

Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878

NORWALK, Calif. – July 20, 2010 – Cerritos College is proud to announce that it has launched the Cerritos College Urban Teacher Fellowship (CCUTF).  CCUTF is a component of the Cerritos College Teacher TRAC (Training Academy) and provides streamlined services and pathways for at-risk youth interested in teaching K-12.

As part of the Governor’s California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) initiative, the program provides job training, supportive services, education and placement to youth ages 17 to 24 that are either at risk of gang involvement or a current gang member. 

Cerritos College has received a $490,230 grant from the Governor’s Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy to go toward the implementation of the program. Cerritos College was selected for the grant through a competitive application process.

The college’s Teacher TRAC and Pathway Programs have put in place curriculum, recruitment mechanisms and supportive service plans for CCUTF last year with the David & Lucile Packard Foundation’s planning grant in the amount of $125,000.

The Cerritos College Urban Teacher Fellowship offers basic skills remediation and community college instruction leading toward an AA/AS degree aligned with the requirements of Cal State Long Beach's BA/BS and teacher credentialing program to 60 at-risk youth.

Participants completing the skills remediation bridge program, coordinated by the Cerritos College Pathway Programs, will receive 60 hours of afterschool youth worker training and be placed in employment in area afterschool programs, using this employment as a source of financial support and career-relevant work experience as they pursue the longer-term teaching credential program.

Students will be organized in learning communities of approximately 30 individuals from the point of the Bridge program until completion of the project. Each learning community will be assigned an Employment Development Specialist who will provide in-class support, group coaching and support, individual academic and job preparation coaching, and supportive service referrals.

“Creating safe and intellectually empowering educational program for youth at risk for gang involvement is crucial for them to overcome the serious challenges they face," said Sue Parsons, director of the award-winning Teacher TRAC program.

More information about the Cerritos College Urban Teacher Fellowship (CCUTF) is available at 562-860-2451 ext.2212.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu/.

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