On January 23rd, SLA celebrated a transformative milestone—our first Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation of 2025. This event marked a powerful moment of triumph, resilience, and hope for eight exceptional individuals who have overcome significant challenges and are now stepping into a brighter future. With the support of our partners, elected officials, and community, this day was a true testament to the power of collaboration and second chances.

Honoring Our Graduates

Our graduates—eight determined individuals—have collectively overcome over 130 years of incarceration. Through hard work, dedication, and the comprehensive support provided by SLA’s pre-apprenticeship program, they have completed an intensive 8-week training program. This program prepared them with hands-on experience in urban forestry, landscaping, and workforce readiness. Now, they are officially joining Local 345 as state-approved apprentices, embarking on the next chapter of their journey.

Special Guests and Speakers

We were deeply honored to have Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco of the 64th District as our guest speaker. Her inspiring words underscored the importance of creating pathways for individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. Assemblywoman Pacheco’s commitment to supporting programs like ours highlights the crucial role of leadership in fostering equity and opportunity.

Joining Assemblywoman Pacheco, we were privileged to welcome Councilmember Joshua Barron of South Gate and Councilmember Luis Cuellar of Lynwood as speakers. Their heartfelt messages of encouragement and support resonated with graduates and attendees alike. Their presence further demonstrated the collective commitment of our local leaders to uplifting and empowering our communities.

Gratitude to Our Partners

This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners:

Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): Thank you for your dedication to helping individuals transition back into the workforce and for being a critical part of our participants' journeys.
REDF: Your continued belief in our mission and presence at this event reinforces the impact of investing in social enterprises and creating sustainable opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
TreePeople: Your partnership has been invaluable in helping us transform urban spaces and provide hands-on training to our participants.
Conservation Corps of Long Beach: Your support and collaboration have played a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities for our participants and their success.
Local 345: Your partnership in welcoming our graduates as apprentices ensures they have the tools and resources to succeed in their careers.

A Celebration of Second Chances

This graduation is not just a milestone for our participants but also a celebration of the transformative power of second chances. Each graduate has shown incredible perseverance and has taken full advantage of the opportunities provided by SLA’s pre-apprenticeship program. Through their hard work, they have rewritten their narratives and are now role models for others in their communities.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our work in Southeast Los Angeles, we remain committed to empowering individuals, enriching communities, and fostering urban sustainability. This graduation is a reminder of the profound impact we can achieve when we work together to invest in people and their potential.

To our graduates: Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment! We are excited to see all that you will achieve as you step into your roles as apprentices and community leaders. To our partners, elected officials, and supporters: Thank you for standing with us and believing in the power of second chances. Together, we are building a stronger, greener, and more equitable future.

Closing Words

This event is a powerful reminder that no barrier is insurmountable with the right support, opportunities, and determination. SLA is proud to stand alongside our graduates, partners, and community as we continue to create pathways for success and sustainability. Here’s to a future filled with growth, opportunity, and second chances for all.

#Empowerment #SecondChances #UrbanSustainability #CommunityChange #PreApprenticeshipSuccess