News Release

IWV Campus

CalWORKs Job Development Program

January 30, 2007

Could your company use an economically-priced assistant? Wouldn't you love to have help? Employ one of Cerro Coso's students and have 75% of the wages paid for you. Cerro Coso Community College is interested in partnering with your business/organization to assist you in your staffing needs while providing a realistic employment setting for students in training. Benefits to your company include:

• Acquire eager, educated and qualified part-time trainees
• Have the satisfaction of helping students become independent
• Assist students who are receiving on-going career development training
• Build community partnerships

The CalWORKs (The California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids) Program is a State and Federal-mandated program designed to assist parents who are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) gain employment by providing training and work-study internship opportunities. Cerro Coso's Job Development Program is helping with California's welfare reform (CalWORKs) by training individuals and assisting in their placement into paid temporary short-term work experiences. Cerro Coso Community College is offering organizations a chance to partner by the business providing a work site for paid internships and "hands on" training that parallels the intern's educational training.

Cerro Coso has received State funding that will pay 75% toward's the intern's salary. The employer would be required to pay appropriate employee benefits and the difference in salary, which would be the remaining 25%.

"We're excited by the opportunity to assist our student's transition into the job market. The College has a commitment to be an active member in the development of our local workforce" says Paula Suorez, CalWORKs Coordinator at Cerro Coso Community College.

Cerro Coso's Job Development Program is designed to assist the CalWORKs student population achieve their personal career goals and self-sufficiency. "The work study opportunities provided to the local community will assist students in transitioning from education to employment" stated Mary Adams, Job Placement Specialist.

Have your Human Resources Office contact Mary Adams, Job Development Specialist, Cerro Coso Community College; CalWORKs Office; 760-384-6219 to learn more about this special partnership program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230