MOORPARK, Calif. - eTradeWire -- Bank of America has named Moorpark College Foundation as its local 2024 Neighborhood Champion for its work to remove barriers to employment and re-skill the local workforce. As a Neighborhood Champion, Moorpark College Foundation receives a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization's executive director, access to technical coaching and a national network of nonprofit peers.

"This year we celebrate five years of strengthening Ventura and Santa Barbara-area nonprofits that deliver solutions to local challenges through the Neighborhood Champions program," said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura/Santa Barbara. "Providing high-impact nonprofits like Moorpark College with flexible funding and leadership training helps them address critical needs and create meaningful lasting change. Countless individuals, families and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact that these Neighborhood Champion nonprofits have had locally over the past five years."

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The Central Coast region has experienced a surging demand for tech-related jobs over the last two decades, with approximately 13,000 tech roles according to a recent study by REACH. To keep up with demand, Moorpark College will use its Neighborhood Champion grant towards its Computer Network Systems Engineering and Cybersecurity (CNSE) certificate program that provides upskilling and reskilling to students and builds pathways to high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers for students to help fill job vacancies in the local tech industry. Specifically, the funds will support a new pilot program — Access, Achieve, Advance (AAA) — which removes financial barriers associated with obtaining professional certifications by subsidizing the cost of preparing for and passing up to three critical certification exams that are essential to advancing in the tech industry.

"Moorpark College and the Moorpark College Foundation are honored by Bank of America's recognition of the role programs like our CNSE play in preparing students for high skill, high wage in demand careers. This grant will change lives, strengthening the economy of Ventura County by producing the technicians needed to support the cybersecurity sector," said Dr. Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College President.

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"Our Cybersecurity students will greatly benefit from this Bank of America grant. This grant removes financial barriers and empowers students to pursue professional certification essential to demonstrating their skills and increasing their confidence. With these professional credentials, students are better prepared to enter the workforce, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the economic vitality of our community," shared Professor Ed Garcia, Moorpark College CNSE.

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank's longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees.

To learn more about Moorpark College, visit https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/