SAN BERNARDINO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 08/12/10 -- Last December, Ashlynn Hornbeck struggled to support herself and pay for classes on a part-time salary from a local fast-food restaurant. Rising tuition pushed her further away from her dream of becoming an RN. When she discovered the certified nursing assistant job-training program at the Career Institute, it was in her words, "an amazing blessing."

"I got a job against all the odds," she proudly exclaimed of her internship position at the Villa Mesa Care Center. "I feel like I can go out there now and do anything."

Last Friday, Hornbeck along with 101 local youth were honored for completing their summer work experience program, occupational certification and for receiving their customer service certification.

"This has been a year of hard work and each student has a different story," acknowledged Teresa Taylor, Chief Executive Officer with the Career Institute. "We value your commitment and the path you have taken to be here today," Ms. Taylor continued.

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and Fourth District Supervisor Gary C. Ovitt, Second District Supervisor Paul Biane, Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, Pomona Fairplex Career Technical Education Program Director Dan Harden and Miguel McQueen of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board all addressed the graduates personally.

Organized by the Career Institute, this ongoing youth training program was funded with stimulus funds administered by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. The federal funding paid for the youth's wages while working in their summer jobs, thus fulfilling a critical step in their development by helping young people build the skills they need to begin a successful career.

"Our program has become a positive model that is being emulated across the country. It demonstrates the great potential that can be tapped into when the private and public sectors work together to support our youth," McQueen said.

Citing the 25 percent youth unemployment rate in San Bernardino County, Chairman Ovitt agreed that programs such as those offered by the Career Institute are critical to point more young people towards a better future, one that allows them to develop pride and self-sufficiency, all the while bettering themselves to become valuable assets within their community. "I congratulate you for completing your training, but this is just the beginning. We hope you will never lose your desire to learn and improve," Chairman Ovitt added.

Educational partners include Baldy View Regional Occupational Program, Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program, CTEC at the Pomona Fairplex, Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Rancho Cucamonga High School and Ontario High School. Numerous local businesses provided on-site job training.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. It strives to create a strong, vibrant economy by developing the county's workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the county's Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the county's Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the county's businesses including employee recruitment.