Innovative LA Fellows Program Offers Unique Training for the Long-Term Unemployed

Some of the hardest-hit among the unemployed have been educated, highly-skilled mid-level professionals. As the economy picks up, it is still one of the hardest segments to find stable, secure, salaried positions available; workers must often learn how to cobble together contract or part-time positions to pay the bills.

The LA Fellows program at Los Angeles Valley College was designed to target this segment of the unemployed population, providing training on the most cutting-edge job search techniques and professional development and pairing that with a unique component of volunteerism. LA Fellows receive nine weeks of free training in advanced job-seeking skills and executive-level topics including leadership, critical thinking, and generating job leads. Optional classes in advanced computer skills and grant writing are available to participants.

Created in partnership with a consortium of community leaders who recognized the need to address long-term unemployment and the critical need for skilled volunteers in the nonprofit sector, the program was started with a grant in 2010. Since then, Workforce Investment Act funding through local WorkSource centers has allowed the program to continue, so participants don’t pay a dime for the training. In the last four years, over 300 Fellows have completed the program, provided over 30,000 hours of professional-level expertise to the local nonprofit community, and moved back into paid positions.

Training for the next cohort begins July 27, 2015, and information sessions are being held at Los Angeles Valley College on June 3rd, 10th, and July 7th to allow community members to learn more about the program and application process. Job Seekers only need to attend one informational session to apply. Additional information about orientations can be located at lafellows.org/apply