Bolstering San Diego County’s workforce development efforts, the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) has expanded two essential programs aimed at empowering young adults and meeting the growing demand for substance use disorder counselors.
Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program
In May 2024, SDWP received $1,840,500 in federal funding to enhance its Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program (OYA). This expansion is designed to assist young adults aged 18-28 who are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training and provide them with equitable access to higher-wage jobs. The program focuses on upward mobility for underserved populations, including Black, justice-impacted, homeless, and foster youth, as well as English language learners, immigrants, and refugees.
The newly expanded OYA will utilize BEST Training, peer mentoring, and comprehensive case management to offer work and career-based learning opportunities in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology, public service, and science and engineering. Participants will benefit from certified training, cohort-based learning, and work-based learning experiences, ensuring a balanced approach that meets the needs of individuals, communities, and employers.
Substance Use Counselor Training Program
In another major development for the region’s healthcare workforce, SDWP will expand the Substance Use Counselor Training Program with a goal of preparing 300 new counselors over the next two years. This investment will utilize part of the $9 million in grant funding previously announced and secured from the California Workforce Development Board’s Federal High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) Initiative.
The initiative serves diverse communities, including justice-involved individuals, refugees, LGBTQI+ community members, and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Through collaborations with UCSD Extended Studies, Tarzana Treatment Centers College, Palomar College, and San Diego City College, participants will have access to high-quality education and training.
“In alignment with California’s broader investment in education and workforce training programs, this funding ensures San Diego’s workforce is well-prepared for the evolving needs of our communities and local economy,” said Tony Young, Interim President and CEO of SDWP. “From bringing aboard 300 additional substance abuse counselors to offering more employment opportunities for young adults who need it most, these critical program expansions will create vital opportunities for young adults and strengthen our healthcare workforce, contributing to a healthier, more prosperous San Diego.”
“Under Tony’s leadership, the San Diego Workforce Partnership continues to harness the power of collaboration to address persistent equity gaps in education and employment facing communities of color and other marginalized groups,” said Donna DeBerry, President and CEO of the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce. “Tony’s expertise in developing innovative initiatives that support our region’s employers and jobseekers will result in narrowing the wealth gap and provide an economic boost to our economy.”
Since 2023, when Young assumed his current role, SDWP has secured more than $10 million in grants including:
- $4.8 million from the California Workforce Development Board to expand programs to improve employment opportunities for those who have been incarcerated or part of the criminal justice system.
- Up to $2.2 million over three years from Google Career Certificates fund.
- $1.8 million to expanding the organization’s Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway program
- $1.45 million from the James Irvine Foundation and $650,000 from the Conrad Prebys Foundation to support capacity building and leadership efforts.
Serving over 100,000 people annually at the organization’s five career centers, Young has conducted a robust internal operations review to increase efficiency and support, resulting in an increase of 48% in front line staff and decreasing the number of customers on the organization’s waitlist by 76%.
Young is also increasing the organization’s collaborative efforts to meet the needs of local employers and ensure job seekers have the skills needed for hiring, which improves the outlook and future for the region’s economy. Additionally, the organization is expanding public-private partnerships to align training programs with hiring demand and career pathways and will soon embark on a visionary strategic planning process with key stakeholders throughout San Diego County.
Building on these successful outcomes, in FY ’25, SDWP anticipates an $8.6 million increase in spending, having secured large grants that will require detailed planning and execution throughout the coming fiscal year.