Fostering Resilience Workforce Program
Empowering the Next Generation Through Education & Employment
The Fostering Resilience Workforce Program supports youth and young adults ages 16 and up who face barriers to graduating, gaining employment, or starting a career. We provide holistic case management, training scholarships, educational support, and wraparound services to help participants build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce and academic settings.
Our program prioritizes the economic empowerment of system and justice impacted youth and young adults by increasing access to opportunity and support.
Program Overview:
Our Workforce Program aims to support individuals from minority and low-income backgrounds, particularly those impacted by the justice system, foster care, homelessness, or social service programs like SNAP, WIC, MediCal, and CalWorks. We are dedicated to advancing economic empowerment by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to excel in both college and career pathways.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, you must be:
What We Offer
Are You a Good Fit?
We’re looking for participants who are:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Have questions? Need help getting started? We’re here to support you.
Complete the application below or reach out to our team directly—we look forward to hearing from you.
Our program prioritizes the economic empowerment of system and justice impacted youth and young adults by increasing access to opportunity and support.
Program Overview:
Our Workforce Program aims to support individuals from minority and low-income backgrounds, particularly those impacted by the justice system, foster care, homelessness, or social service programs like SNAP, WIC, MediCal, and CalWorks. We are dedicated to advancing economic empowerment by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to excel in both college and career pathways.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, you must be:
- Age 16 or older
- From a low-income and/or minority background
- Impacted by justice involvement, foster care, homelessness, or public services
What We Offer
- Career & College Readiness: Workshops and support to help you succeed in school or the workplace.
- Paid & Volunteer Work Experience: Real-world opportunities to build your resume and develop professional skills.
- Scholarships for Training & Certification: Financial support for short-term career training and industry credentials.
- Career Advancement & Goal Setting: Support for job placement, skill development, and SMART goal coaching.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Work closely with caring professionals who guide you through every step of your journey.
Are You a Good Fit?
We’re looking for participants who are:
- Motivated to grow professionally or academically
- Open to mentorship and guidance
- Committed to setting and achieving goals
- Seeking long-term change and success
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Have questions? Need help getting started? We’re here to support you.
Complete the application below or reach out to our team directly—we look forward to hearing from you.
Program Spotlight: The Propulsion Lab
A Cal Maritime & Center for Urban Excellence Pilot Program
Bioeconomy & Biotechnology Career Awareness and Industry Exposure
Bioeconomy & Biotechnology Career Awareness and Industry Exposure
The Propulsion Lab is a pilot initiative launched by the Center for Urban Excellence in partnership with Cal Maritime and the Solano Workforce Development Board to introduce youth and young adults to careers in the Bioeconomy and Biotechnology. Designed for participants aged 16+, this program offers career exploration, hands-on training, and mentorship to prepare youth for high-growth STEM fields.
While the broader program is sunsetting, one final opportunity remains for participants to engage.
Future Scientists: Preclinical Research & Lab Skills Program
Final Opportunity – August 2025 | 3-Day Immersive Lab Workshop with MuriGenics (Vallejo, CA)
Our last offering under The Propulsion Lab invites eligible participants to join a hands-on biotech lab experience with MuriGenics.
Dates: August 4, 5, and 6, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Provided after orientation
Ages: 16–26
Incentive: $100 + Certificate of Completion
Spots: Limited to 8 participants
What You’ll Learn:
Day 1 – Core Lab Skills
Day 2 – Data, Ethics & Animal Care
Day 3 – Career Readiness + Celebration
View Workshop & Register on Eventbrite
Program Highlights
Program Timeline
January – August 2025
Held across the Bay Area at Cal Maritime, Solano Community College, and local partner sites such as Myriad Genetic and MuriGenics.
Career Pathways Explored
Participants explored careers such as:
Program Partners & Leadership
This program is a partnership between Cal Maritime, The Center for Urban Excellence, and Solano Workforce Development Board (WDB). Together, we’ll help you achieve your dreams and build a brighter future.
The leaders of The Propulsion Lab Pilot Program
Although the Propulsion Lab pilot has concluded, it remains a powerful example of what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together to uplift and empower youth.
While the broader program is sunsetting, one final opportunity remains for participants to engage.
Future Scientists: Preclinical Research & Lab Skills Program
Final Opportunity – August 2025 | 3-Day Immersive Lab Workshop with MuriGenics (Vallejo, CA)
Our last offering under The Propulsion Lab invites eligible participants to join a hands-on biotech lab experience with MuriGenics.
Dates: August 4, 5, and 6, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Provided after orientation
Ages: 16–26
Incentive: $100 + Certificate of Completion
Spots: Limited to 8 participants
What You’ll Learn:
Day 1 – Core Lab Skills
Day 2 – Data, Ethics & Animal Care
Day 3 – Career Readiness + Celebration
View Workshop & Register on Eventbrite
Program Highlights
- Earn While You Learn: Participants received up to $1,000 for attending virtual and in-person sessions.
- Skills Workshops: Hands-on training in lab techniques, environmental monitoring, and sustainability practices.
- Career Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from Cal Maritime faculty, peer cadets, and workforce experts.
- Industry Exposure: Tours, guest speakers, and real-world insight into high-paying biotech careers.
- Paid Internships: Over 100 hours of hands-on work experience in science and technology sectors.
- Wraparound Support: Help with transportation, meals, interview clothing, and tools for success.
Program Timeline
January – August 2025
Held across the Bay Area at Cal Maritime, Solano Community College, and local partner sites such as Myriad Genetic and MuriGenics.
Career Pathways Explored
Participants explored careers such as:
- Environmental Technician
- Marine/Field Technician
- Lab Assistant
- Horticulture
Program Partners & Leadership
This program is a partnership between Cal Maritime, The Center for Urban Excellence, and Solano Workforce Development Board (WDB). Together, we’ll help you achieve your dreams and build a brighter future.
The leaders of The Propulsion Lab Pilot Program
- Reina Robinson - CEO of the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE)
- Anisa Smith- Chief Workforce Officer (CUE)
- Capt. Steve Browne - Master Mariner and Dean of the School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics, and Management at Cal Maritime.
- Associate Professor Tony Lewis, Ph.D. - Department of International Business & Logistics at Cal Maritime.
- Pippen Dew- President of the Solano Association of Realtors and Board Member of the SF Bay Ferry
Although the Propulsion Lab pilot has concluded, it remains a powerful example of what’s possible when education, industry, and community come together to uplift and empower youth.
