Photos: In Baldwin Park, the future of work is in the NextGen

Job seekers from 14-24 found a warm welcome among City Councilmembers and Baldwin Park Unified School District board members May 6 when the NextGen Youth Workforce Program was launched at the Courtyard by Marriott Baldwin Park.

This is the fourth year the initiative has been offered in the city, giving young residents with real-world experience and professional networks, especially in the summer. Even first-time employees can find a match. The kickoff included a job fair with information on job openings and workplace readiness.

Participants have to register to participate in the program, which was developed through partnerships with Kaiser Permanente, Goodwill Southern California, LA County America’s Job Center of California, Baldwin Park Unified School District and the Baldwin Park Business Association.

“Early job experience is one of the most impactful ways to build confidence, responsibility, and future career readiness,” said John B. de Leon, president of the Baldwin Park Unified School District Board. “The NextGen Program not only prepares our students for the workforce but also strengthens the ties between education and economic development in our city.”