BC Hosts Project HireUp Summer Graduation

It was a day of celebration and optimism as Bakersfield College and CityServe Educational Collaborative celebrated the graduating participants of Cohort #12 of Project HireUp. This unique project provides education and training to adults seeking reentry into the workforce or higher education programs. Project HireUp aims to decrease homelessness in the community through a creative and innovative partnership that supports students currently experiencing housing insecurity or other setbacks.

The Summer 2024 graduation was held at the CityServe headquarters in downtown Bakersfield and recognized 27 men and women who had completed the intense 8-week, educational program. The ceremony marked the twelfth Cohort graduation since the project began in Spring 2020. Since then, nearly 200 students have completed the program and have received life, educational, and career development to ensure successful employment and self-sufficiency. Upon completion of the program, each graduate receives a Basic Office Skills certificate from BC, a Personal Development Certificate from CityServe, and a Financial Literacy Certificate from Bank of America.

Project HireUp and CityServe Educational Collaborative continue to host three cohorts a year – Spring, Summer, and Fall, with a capacity of thirty students per cohort. With the continued support of community and employer partners, Project HireUp has helped combat the homelessness crisis in Kern County and provided numerous opportunities to individuals and their families.

Congratulations to the Project HireUp graduating class for Summer 2024. We look forward to hearing testimonies of continued success and achievement.