First in the Family to Attain a High School Diploma

James, RAMP Participant, SFCC High School Graduate & Julia, SFCC/John Muir Charter School Teacher

A primary component of the RAMP program is assisting students in attaining their GED or High School Diploma. 

At a recent SFCC Community Meeting where James was presented with his diploma, he stared speechless at it for quite some time before saying, “I never thought I would see this day. I thought I would be dead or locked up – I never thought I would be able to finish High School. I am the first person in my family to get a Diploma.”

Connecting Youth through Multiple Pathways

Ulysses, RAMP, SFCC Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Laborer's Apprentice

Ulysses is a RAMP Participant, SFCC Pre-Apprentice Graduate, and Laborers’ Apprentice. Ulysses successfully obtained a clear and valid California Driver’s license which allowed him to meet the eligibility requirements to be an apprentice in the Laborers Union Local 261. Within a week of becoming a Laborers Apprentice, Ulysses was dispatched to a 2-year contract in San Francisco working at a SFMTA/MUNI property on Indiana Street and Cesar Chavez.

Blending Skills and Passion

Kayla LaCour, TechSF - BAYCAT

Kayla LaCour, found a true passion for cinematography and visual art at Bayview Hunters Point Center for the Arts & Technology (BAYCAT).

In partnership with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, BAYCAT helped Kayla connect with an opportunity at Wired, and she will soon begin her new position as a full-time Multimedia Content Producer. 

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Building from Scratch

Jethro Patalinghug, TechSF

Jethro Patalinghug immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when he was 34 years old, leaving behind a career as a T.V. producer. After finding out about the TechSF Program and attending an orientation, Jethro enrolled in TechSF’s Motion Graphics Certificate track at the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), where he immersed himself in learning new skills. He created a community of support and connection.

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Traction in the Tech Industry

Ceddrick Jonae, TechSF

After suffering a work-related injury while on location for a digital media project over eight years ago, Ceddrick Jonae from San Francisco had been jobless for close to seven years. Ceddrick discovered the Office of Economic and Workforce Development’s (OEWD) TechSF Program through Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) and was accepted into the 2013 Desk Support track.

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Real Hands-on Restaurant Experience

District 5 Hospitality Bootcamp Graduation

The District 5 Hospitality Boot Camp is a collaborative effort between the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), City College of San Francisco, The Western Addition Neighborhood Access Point, Golden Gate Restaurant Association and 1300 Fillmore Restaurant with funding supported by Board of Supervisors’ President London Breed.

Determination and Tenacity

Patricia Snoddy, HealthCare Academy Spotlight Story

“Life was difficult for me and my boys for a while, but JVS gave me what I needed to lift myself up and find work. My work is much more than a job—it’s my lifeline.”

Until the recession hit, Patricia Snoddy had a solid job. The San Francisco native and mother of three witnessed her office shut down piece by piece when operations—and her job—moved overseas. As a Navy veteran with over 25 years of work experience, Patricia was not worried about finding new employment, but three years passed and she continued to remain without a job.

Each Person and Job is Unique

In December 2015, Jose started working with a job developer at Toolworks. Battling with homelessness and substance abuse problems, Jose began receiving services from Toolworks’ Aging and Adult Disability Resource Center (ADRC). He was referred to substance abuse centers to start his recovery and in less than a month, Jose was offered a part-time job with Toolworks as a recycling sorter, earning $12.25 an hour. Toolworks provided Jose with job coaching services and support in time management, communication skills, and work ethic.