As a champion for our local community, the Chamber recognizes that building a strong local workforce will help strengthen our local economy. We have various community partners we work with on workforce development, as well as programs our local businesses and community members can get involved in to help develop a strong workforce locally and build the next generation of business leaders.
NextGen CEO
NextGen CEO is a six-week business education course that teaches kids the basics of starting their own business, and what it takes to “be their own boss”. Run in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast, the program encourages students to find or expand on their passion, and create a business out of it. NextGen CEO provides students with a fun and engaging way to learn entrepreneurial skills. By the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to open and operate their own business.
FBLA Speaker Series
The Chamber partners with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) to host a monthly speaker series for high school students. Business leaders have spoken on topics including networking tips, job interview techniques, and more.
If you are interested in being a speaker for this program or would like to learn more, contact Yuliana Nelson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, at yuliana@santamaria.com.
Paid Student Internships
The Chamber is proud to partner with Santa Barbara County Partners in Education on their Paid Student Internship program, which gives local businesses the opportunity to provide job experience to junior and senior high school students who have gone through a job readiness training program.
Leadership Santa Maria Valley
Leadership Santa Maria Valley is an 11 month program designed to foster and create future community leaders. The program allows participants to increase their understanding of local issues, challenges and solutions while expanding their personal and professional networks and refining their leadership skills. Each Class gives back to the community with their own unique Legacy Project.
Teacher Tours
The Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs to connect teachers to local industry through Teacher Tours. These tours provide teachers and opportunity to tour local businesses and speak with industry leaders about local workforce challenges and needs, so they can bring this information back to the classroom and implement it into their curriculum.
Build Your Workforce
Managed by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, the Build Your Workforce program connects businesses to funding & additional assistance available for hiring, upskilling, and providing work experience.
