YMCA East Hampton RECenter Teens Explore STEAM Skill Careers with California Closets

Long Island, NY (February 27, 2016) – Local teenagers from the YMCA East Hampton RECenter recently paid a visit to California Closets’ Ronkonkoma, N.Y., facility to experience a one-of-a-kind, behind the scenes tour of California Closets’ 10,000 sqft main office and manufacturing facility. The 12 young men and women who are part of the YMCA’s Career Connect program, were able to experience how Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, or STEAM, skills learned in the classroom are used in the real world to help youth development and successful career placement.

“The tour of California Closets ignites a spark in our members early and encourages them to be contributing members of their communities,” said Glenn Vickers II, Executive Director for the YMCA East Hampton RECenter. “This field trip is a great exploratory exercise; it lets curious young people see what goes into skilled-trade careers and exposes them to different industries.”

Reports indicate that there is a decline in skilled-trade workers in fields such as welding, electrical engineering, machinery, manufacturing and construction. According to a 2012 study by Examination Management Services, (EMSI), 53 percent of skilled-trade workers in the U.S. were 45 years and older. The YMCA-LI’s mission is to educate teens on how the STEAM skills that they learn in the classroom can be applied to help build a rewarding career.

“Since 2010, our annual sales revenue has quadrupled. We outgrew our previous headquarters and had to relocate to a larger space in Ronkonkoma,” said Anthony DeVicenzo, Marketing Manager for California Closets. “Now, with a bigger shop that can fit more technology, we are able to fill orders at a faster rate to keep up with the demand. However, as a growing company with a growing customer base, we have a need for more employees. Unfortunately we do not have enough qualified individuals with applicable tech skills to fill our job demand. Through our relationship with the YMCA East Hampton RECenter, we realized this very genuine partnership could help us change that trend while also educating the YMCA-LI’s program through an educational and fun field trip.”

YMCA East Hampton RECenter youth members attended a daytime tour of a California Closets shop, where they witnessed a Computer-aided manufacturing machine create their names out of wood; saw a presentation from employees who shared their backgrounds in production management, installation management, design and marketing; and learned how STEAM skills are used on a daily basis. The teenagers also worked one-on-one with design team staff from California Closets on a “Dream Closet” design challenge to encourage exploration of art skills. Individuals used the CAD program, which is how California Closets design and turn closet designs into 3D Models.

The YMCA East Hampton RECenter ‘Career Connect’ program encourages teens, ages 13-18 years old, to intern with businesses throughout the East End community to develop career skills. The Y helps program members develop a professional resume and provides them with a letter of reference to help teens to make a strong entrance into the workforce.

To learn more, visit www.ymcali.org.

About California Closets:

For more than three decades California Closets has built a reputation as a leader in premium- and luxury space-management, delivering truly custom products and unparalleled service. We’ve helped transform spaces and allowed people to get more out of their homes—and do more in their everyday lives. And as we move forward, we will passionately continue to do this, and more. Locally owned and operated for 31 years with locations in Ronkonkoma and Southampton. For more information visit www.californaiclosets.com.

About YMCA of Long Island:

The YMCA is a leader in providing programs that strengthen the mind, body and spirit connection. Long Islanders of all ages and fitness levels learn to live their healthiest lives inside the YMCA’s state-of-the-art facilities in Brookhaven, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Bay Shore, Huntington and Patchogue. The YMCA of Long Island is a cause-driven nonprofit organization that works to strengthen communities through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information and locations, visit www.ymcali.org, or call 855-296-2254.

Photo 1: Members of the YMCA East Hampton RECenter pose with their name plates made by a Computer-aided manufacturing machine during their visit to California Closets in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. During a tour of the manufacturing facility, staff connected how STEAM skills are applied at California Closets.

Photo 2: Brylinn of the YMCA East Hampton RECenter works with California Closets designers Kelly Mazzotta and Vera DeVincenzo to use CAD software to transform her dream closet drawing into a 3D Model on the computer. The activity was designed to inspire teens to put their STEAM skills to work and see first-hand how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math can help them in a future career.