High School Students Learn
the Importance of Education

Irwindale, CA – Fifty-one local high school students continue to develop their minds despite being on summer vacation. The “at-risk” local high school students were selected to participate in a two-week joint college prep program sponsored by LA Works, a human services agency and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, which concluded on July 24, 2004.

LA Works, in partnership with the University of New Mexico, provides a College Prep Program designed to promote educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged and at-risk high school students. Selected students receive the benefits of academic preparation for college and learn the benefits of earning a college degree. The college offers a two-week residential component that includes exposure to the college experience. In addition, assistance to improve college skill levels and prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test is provided, along with recreational outings and summer employment.

The program concluded with a graduation ceremony, during which students communicated with their family members via LA Works’ videoconferencing capabilities on-site at LA Works’ facility. To keep the students focused and prepared for college, LA Works monitors a year-round College Bound Program. Students are enrolled immediately upon their return and are assigned Cal Poly Pomona students as mentors to assist them in preparing for college.

Founded in 1976 as the primary public job training and placement center for residents of cities in the East San Gabriel Valley, LA Works, a WorkSource Center, improves the quality of life of all customers, including career enhancing and educational opportunities, as well as community and business services. It is our mission to foster an environment of goal attainment for partners and the customers we serve.

LA Works, best known for its federally funded job training and placement services offers a wealth of much needed public services to residents in the east San Gabriel Valley. Services to the community include: Weatherization and Housing Rehabilitation for low-income households, Community Beautification projects for local cities, at-risk Youth Work Experience Programs, College Prep and Youth Mentoring. Job seekers can take advantage of a comprehensive system of training, and placement services.

In addition, LA Works offers services such as Internet Job and Talent Banks, Recruitment Services, Videoconferencing and Consultant Works to assist local businesses with their recruitment and business needs.

LA Works, based in Irwindale also offers its services at a satellite Mini Career Center located in San Dimas.

For more information about LA Works, contact

Julie Yue, Public Relations and Business Services Coordinator
LA Works
(626) 960-3964 ext. 2321
jyue@laworks.org

UNM Vice President of Student Affairs Eliseo Torres presents gift to
LA Works Director Sal Velasquez for entering their 8th year partnership.

LA Works Board of Directors and UNM staff handing out graduation
certificates to the College Works Class of 2004.

College Works Class of 2004.

To view the 2004 slideshow presentation created by actual College Works
students, click here

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