A newly created Sacramento workforce program has been awarded $5 million by the California Workforce Development Board.
The “Public Pathways” workforce program will connect residents with job training, certifications, enrollment into postsecondary education, and employment in career pathways in the public, business, biotechnology, healthcare, and social services sectors.
The program, led by Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), will support the workforce development and jobs training goals throughout the city, especially those set out in the Aggie Square Community Benefits Partnership Agreement (CBPA).
Aggie Square partners include the City of Sacramento, the University of California, Davis, and Aggie Square developer, Wexford Science and Technology, LLC.
“I welcome and applaud the California Workforce Investment Board’s decision to invest $5 million into SETA and this workforce program,” said Vice Mayor and SETA Board Member Eric Guerra. “It’s a testament to the hard work we’ve done to ensure that our city residents benefit from the good jobs resulting from Aggie Square development and the UC Davis Sacramento campus. Aggie Square is our chance to chart a new course, where we can implement a different set of priorities where everyone can prosper.”
“I’m thrilled to see SETA’s $5 million investment into the Aggie Square workforce program,” said Councilmember Caity Maple, who represents the Oak Park community. “With this funding, we can accelerate programming that provides career-ready jobs with good wages at regional employers like UC Davis. Aggie Square is adjacent to some of Sacramento’s most under-resourced communities, and this will help our neighbors get access to meaningful economic mobility.”
SETA will coordinate outreach to residents through the region with an emphasis on the 12 zip codes identified in the Aggie Square CBPA to engage individuals from underserved populations and connect them with the program.
Those enrolled in the program will have access to training, case management, supportive services, placement into internships and on-the-job training, and eventually employment. The program plans to serve 300 individuals.
SETA will partner with local nonprofit and community-based organizations to execute the program including the Greater Sacramento Urban League, La Familia Counseling Center, Asian Resources, Institute for Local Government and Pivot Sacramento.
“Through the network of partners, we are confident that we will reach the community and help them reach their education and employment goals,” said Jennifer Hernandez, Executive Director of SETA. “Our goal is to offer services in the community and help reduce any barriers to participation.
Aggie Square construction started in June 2022. As part of the $1.1 billion Aggie Square project, the City of Sacramento, UC Davis, and Aggie Square’s developer Wexford Technology & Science, LLC. agreed to a comprehensive Community Benefits Partnership Agreement to provide meaningful access to jobs, affordable housing and other community benefits.