Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District, recently recognized the Los Angeles County Probation Department, United Parcel Service and East Los Angeles College for their partnership in creating a logistics education and career program for youth in probation facilities.

The logistics education and career program provides youth in L.A. County Probation camps with an opportunity to earn a certificate in global logistics, receive college credits and obtain a job immediately upon release. Securing a job is one of the most challenging issues facing youth upon release. UPS, East L.A. College and the Probation Department are confronting that challenge by providing youth with skills to be competitive in the job market.

Since the implementation of the Logistics Education and Career Program, 11 youth have been hired by UPS. The hiring has positively impacted each participant’s confidence, earning-potential and ability to provide for their families, helping them leave behind their past and move forward toward a better future.

“I appreciate UPS for recognizing the value of investing in their community and I’m proud of our youth in probation whose dedication and hard work proves that given a second chance, there is no limit to what young people can achieve,” said Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“I am proud of the partnership that we have with UPS and East Los Angeles College and all our partner agencies and, most importantly, the young men that are a part of this program,” added Shelia Mitchell, chief deputy for juvenile services of the Los Angeles County Probation Department. “The program helps develop the skills to get a job, but it also provides participants with the confidence that things can be different, and when a youth recognizes this, the opportunities are endless.”

The logistics education and career program is taught by East L.A. College professors in probation detention facilities. Youth that complete the program receive a certificate in leadership in global logistics skills. The certificate provides a competitive advantage for youth interested in a career in logistics, one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. UPS has committed to make the program a success, providing staff that discuss how to succeed in logistics with the youth and share personal stories about how logistics careers have helped them turn their lives around.