Pathways to Prosperity represents a significant expansion of BBOP Center’s workforce development efforts. The initiative is designed to serve 140 participants across career pathways in construction and skilled trades, health care, technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics and distribution, with a particular focus on veterans, justice-involved individuals and Opportunity Young Adults ages 18 to 28.
Unlike traditional training programs that may end when a class or certification is completed, BBOP Center has structured Pathways to Prosperity as a career pipeline. Participants move through assessment, occupational training and industry-recognized credentials to hands-on experience, paid work-based learning, employer engagement, job placement and post-employment retention support.
“BBOP Center was created to connect people to opportunity in a tangible way. Too often workforce systems ask individuals to navigate education, training, supportive services and employers separately,” said Carma Lacy, CEO of BBOP Center. “We’re bringing those pieces together and going beyond workshops and certificates to build a workforce ecosystem that connects residents with real skills, real employers and career pathways that can lead to long-term economic mobility.”
Pathways to Prosperity is supported through California’s Employment Training Pathways Program and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Adult Program, bringing workforce investment directly to Inland Empire communities where residents continue to face barriers to training and employment.
As an NCCER-accredited organization, BBOP Center provides nationally recognized construction and skilled-trades training, including NCCER Core and hands-on instruction. Participants will also receive OSHA-10 construction safety training as part of their career preparation.
Through partnerships with Calbright College, Tomorrow Talent, San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, Riverside County Workforce Development Board and National CORE, participants can access pathway-specific training in IT support, project management, community health work, construction and property operations and maintenance. BBOP Center also has established partnerships with workforce development boards, community colleges and community-based organizations across San Bernardino and Riverside counties to connect participants to work-based learning and employment opportunities.
The program has an entry-wage goal of approximately $29 per hour and is designed to help participants build long-term economic stability and career advancement. Participants also receive individualized case management, career coaching and supportive services that may include transportation, childcare and other assistance based on individual need and eligibility, with follow-up and retention support continuing after placement.
“I know this journey is about more than earning certificates. It is about building a purpose driven career and becoming a stronger advocate for the people and families I serve. My peer support experience, education, and the skills I am gaining through the Community Health Worker class in Pathways to Prosperity Program at the Black and Brown Opportunity for Profit Center are giving me the tools and confidence to turn my passion for helping others into a lasting career,” said Brooke Dennis, a Pathways to Prosperity participant.
Enrollment is currently open. Inland Empire residents interested in exploring available career pathways can attend an information session Monday through Friday from 10am to 11am or 4pm to 5pm at BBOP Center, 599 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92401, or complete the online interest form at BBOPCenter.com/employment-training-program.
This WIOA Title I-financially assisted program is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The Pathways program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $4 million (100%), with $0 (0%) financed from state, local, or non-federal sources.
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About the BBOP Center: The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center advances entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic empowerment in the age of AI by equipping entrepreneurs, workers and communities with the tools, training, technology, capital readiness and networks needed to compete and thrive in the future economy. Through business advising, mentorship, capital access, workforce training and innovation programs, BBOP Center helps individuals transform ideas into businesses, skills into income and opportunity into long-term economic mobility. The BBOP Center is a project of Time for Change Foundation and serves entrepreneurs throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. To learn more visit BBOPCenter.com.