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CUE Chronicles: November Edition
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"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Hellen Keller
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Empowering our Community Together!
Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly newsletter! We’re thrilled to keep our community connected with the latest updates on recruitment, education, social events, and workforce opportunities available through the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE). Together, let’s empower our youth and drive meaningful change! Keep reading to catch up on what CUE has been up to over the past few months.
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Youth Voices: Make Your Voice Heard!
The City of Vallejo wants to hear from YOU! If you’re 26 and under, you’re invited to complete a short survey to help Vallejo better understand the needs of young people in our community. Your insights will help shape future programs and resources designed specifically for youth in our community.
The survey only takes 10-15 minutes, and by providing your contact information, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card! Make your voice heard and help shape the future of Vallejo—take the survey today!
Vallejo Youth Needs Assessment
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Fostering Resilience Workforce Program
Join the Fostering Resilience Workforce Program to gain essential skills, mentorship, and career support. This program provides career coaching, goal setting, and scholarships for short-term training. Eligible participants must be at least 16 years old and have a barrier to success—such as being justice-involved, low-income, or experiencing unstable housing. Start building a successful future with hands-on training and resources designed to help you thrive.
Benefits of Joining the Program:
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Financial Support: Receive up to $1,000 during the program, contingent on achieving milestones outlined in your Individual Employment Plan (IEP) and available funding.
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Incentives: Earn up to $750, subject to available funding, based on educational and career goals set in your IEP.
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Career Coaching: Access personalized career coaching to help you navigate your career path and land you next job opportunity.
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Goal Setting: Benefit from structured goal-setting sessions to define and reach your professional objectives.
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Training Program Scholarships: Participate in short-term training programs tailored to enhance your skills and improve your employability.
Join and take the next step toward a brighter future!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to apply, share the flyer, and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. To apply, please visit our application link: Workforce Program Application.
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Youth Job Spot
Your Gateway to New Opportunities
Looking to kickstart your career journey? CUE's Youth Job Spot is your go-to destination for exciting opportunities tailored just for you. Whether you're seeking internships, part-time gigs, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions, we've got you covered. Dive into a world of possibilities including remote work, training programs, volunteer gigs, job fairs, and more!
Get the Most out of CUE's Job Board:
- Explore Career Industries: Browse different job opportunities available on our job board.
- Ready to ace that interview? Get assistance with equipping yourself with necessary interview skills. Such as, researching the company, practicing interview questions, and gathering essential materials.
Unlock your potential and embark on an exciting career journey with CUE's Youth Job Spot. Explore now!
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Fostering Resilience Workforce Wednesday
Join us for Fostering Resilience Workforce Wednesday every week until November 20th at 5:30 PM for valuable career insights, mentorship, and discussions with industry leaders! This series provides a unique opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds who will share their experiences and guidance on building successful careers.
Upcoming Guest:
November 6th – Meet Stanley Coleman - Operations Program Manager at Amazon
Stanley Coleman, Operations Program Manager at Amazon, brings 18 years of experience in supply chain roles across the consumer electronics (CE) and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries. Originally from Detroit, MI, Stanley moved to Texas, where he earned both a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University.
Outside of work, Stanley enjoys skiing, cycling, and cooking, and he dedicates time to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Join his session on November 6th at 5:30PM during CUE’s Workforce Wednesday to hear his insights on career development in supply chain management.
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November 13th - Meet David L. Hayes II - Area Manager and Workforce Wednesday Guest
David L. Hayes II brings 15 years of experience across two critical business functions, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of financial and operational processes. Born in San Jose, CA, and raised in Sherman, TX, David completed his high school education in Jackson, TN, before earning his degree in Corporate Financial Management from San Jose State University.
David is drawn to the water, whether relaxing by the shore or participating in water sports. He’s also passionate about giving back to his community and dedicates time to volunteering with various nonprofits. When he’s not near the water or volunteering, David enjoys playing sports, listening to music, and cheering on his son at his travel basketball games.
Catch David’s session on November 13th at 5:30PM during CUE’s Workforce Wednesday for insights into career growth and mentorship.
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Join us to hear from Stanley and David, and gain insights that could shape your career journey. | |
On the Horizon: Upcoming Events | |
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Upcoming Workshops with Jaelyn Graves
Get ready for a series of impactful workshops led by Jaelyn Graves, our Youth Program Intern, focused on resilience, kindness, and community wellness. Here’s what’s coming up:
Bounce Back Game Too Strong
Virtual Workshop
Date: November 14th
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Zoom Link: Join Here
This workshop focuses on building resilience and coping strategies to help you bounce back from challenges stronger than ever.
R.A.K. Day Workshop
Random Acts of Kindness Workshop
Date: December 7th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Boys and Girls Empowerment Group, 1638 Fairgrounds Drive, Suite #2, Vallejo, CA 94589
Celebrate kindness and learn the power of small acts that make a big difference in our communities.
Community Wellness Workshop
Virtual Workshop
Date: December 19th
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Zoom Link: Join Here
Focus on holistic wellness strategies to support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Don’t miss these opportunities to connect and grow with CUE! Follow us on Instagram @CenterforUrbanExcellence for reminders and updates.
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Pathways to Possibility: LA College Tour
We’re gearing up for an exciting trip to Los Angeles for our upcoming college tour! Youth and young adults will have the opportunity to explore renowned universities like USC and UC Long Beach, immersing themselves in campus life and learning about academic programs, admissions requirements, and student support services.
This tour is designed to help students envision their future in higher education, spark conversations about career goals, and provide guidance on navigating the college journey. We’re thrilled to offer this experience, where young people can see firsthand the possibilities that await them in higher education.
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Fostering Resilience
Youth Wellness Summit!
We’re excited to invite you to the 3rd Annual Fostering Resilience Youth Wellness Summit! Hosted by the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE), this one-day event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower youth and their families.
Join us for interactive workshops on mental wellness, navigating the justice system and college & career readiness. You’ll hear from dynamic speakers, engage in hands-on art activities, and connect with mentors and peers dedicated to building a supportive, resilient community. Plus, there will be special prizes!
When: Saturday, 12/14/2024, 8:30A- 3:30P
Where: Courtyard Vallejo Napa Valley, 1000 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
Space is limited, so please register ASAP before we open the event to the partners. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, learn, and build lasting connections!
Register Here
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Highlights in Action: Event Recap | |
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Celebrating Community, Health, and Opportunity
This quarter our community enjoyed a lineup of engaging events and opportunities! From inclusive experiences like Sensory Sensitive Cutz for Kids to educational tours, career fairs, and health resources, each event brought meaningful connections and growth.
Follow us on Instagram @CenterforUrbanExcellence to stay updated on upcoming events and activities—don’t miss what’s next!
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Vilma’s Cutz for Kids
We were honored to partner with Autism with DJ, A Friend Like Zeek, Sensory E, and the MOCHA Autism Network for the Sensory Sensitive Cutz for Kids event, now renamed Vilma’s Cutz for Kids in loving memory of Zeek’s grandmother and biggest advocate. This special event created a comfortable, inclusive space for children with sensory sensitivities to receive haircuts.
CUE added to the experience by providing an art activity while youth waited their turns. Kids enjoyed painting their own tote bags and even received a brand new backpack!
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The Poke Center
Recapping an unforgettable Saturday (9/21) at the Poke Center! Thanks to owner Kevin, who hosted a special Pokémon event just for CUE, participants enjoyed learning how to play and connecting over games and creativity. The day was extra special as we celebrated our September birthdays in style, bringing everyone together for great games, great company, and memories that will last.
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Northeastern University Tour
with Inneract Project
Thank you to the Inneract Project for inviting CUE to an inspiring college tour at Northeastern University @ Mills College! This event gave students an invaluable opportunity to explore academic paths, connect with new people, and discover potential future opportunities. Touring the campus and envisioning what lies ahead made for an exciting, knowledge-filled experience, broadening horizons and sparking inspiration for our young participants.
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Travel the Bay:
Exploring the Best of San Francisco
Our Travel the Bay adventure gave youth the chance to connect with the Bay Area in a whole new way! We had an amazing Sunday riding the San Francisco Bay Ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco and exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Exploratorium. The ferry ride was a highlight, and the hands-on activities at the Exploratorium kept everyone engaged and curious all day long.
A huge thank you to WETA Board Director Pippin Dew for generously providing ferry tickets and making this unforgettable experience possible. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to explore, learn, and expand our horizons!
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CUE at the CalMaritime
CUE recently joined the CalMaritime Career Fair to recruit Cadets as Peer Mentors and Coaches for The Propulsion Lab program and to share information about our Workforce Program. We spoke with Cadets about the unique opportunity to lead campus tours and facilitate hands-on workshops on topics such as marine career readiness, oceanography, ocean science, the bioeconomy, sustainable logistics practices, and even guided tours of the Golden Bear.
Thank you to everyone who connected with us at the fair—your interest and enthusiasm are key to supporting our community’s growth and success in maritime careers and beyond!
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Lori Frank Memorial Health Fair
CUE had the honor of participating in the Lori Frank Memorial Health Fair, an annual event organized by the District Attorney’s Office and Family Justice Center to promote healthy living and community wellness in Solano County. This impactful event allowed us to connect with the community and share valuable information about our organization and programs, supporting Solano County’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness.
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Trunk or Treat:
A Festive October Finale
The Trunk or Treat event wrapped up October with a vibrant community celebration hosted by the Boys & Girls Empowerment Group and the Vallejo Community. From spooky costumes to candy-filled trunks, this family-friendly gathering was packed with Halloween fun, treats, and memorable moments. It was a fantastic day of community connection and festive cheer, captured beautifully in photos by Essex Cook.
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Behind the Excellence: Staff Spotlight | |
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Jaelyn Graves as
our new Youth Program Intern
We’re excited to introduce Jaelyn, our new Youth Program Intern! A recent graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Jaelyn is a Vallejo native who brings her passion for health equity and commitment to community service to CUE. During her time at Tuskegee, she held leadership roles supporting her peers and advocating for underrepresented groups. Now, she combines her experiences from rural Alabama with her hometown insights to empower youth in Solano County and beyond.
Outside of work, Jaelyn enjoys creativity, soccer, travel, and time with family and friends. Welcome to the CUE team, Jaelyn!
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Nacarre Turner as our new
Junior Accountant
Another exciting announcement! I want to introduce Nacarre, our new Junior Accountant. Nacarre has been interning with us since February, sharpening his skills in QuickBooks and accounting, and we’re thrilled to have him officially on board the CUE team!
Nacarre brings technological intelligence, precise attention to detail, and exceptional organizing skills to this position. He is currently enrolled in Community College and is on the brink of earning his Associate’s degree in Business Administration. From there, he plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Nacarre’s competitive nature, shaped by his sports background growing up, drives him to excel in all his new experiences. Outside of accounting, he is passionate about nature—he enjoys gardening, composting, and has even helped create and maintain a beekeeping apiary business.
We’re excited to see the positive impact Nacarre will bring to our team. Welcome to the CUE team, Nacarre!
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CUE Alumni Network
Introducing the CUE Alumni Network which is a dedicated community for former participants, offering ongoing access to resources, career development, and networking opportunities. Through quarterly workshops, alumni meet-ups, and mentorship programs, members can continue to grow and connect within the CUE community. The network also provides milestone rewards, with up to $1,000 per year available for career and educational achievements, celebrating the progress and successes of its members. This network supports lifelong growth, empowering alumni as they move forward in their professional and personal journeys.
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Celebrating Our First CUE Alumni Members
We are thrilled to welcome our inaugural alumni members, Corinne, Lachelle, and Elijah, who have shown extraordinary commitment and resilience as part of the Center for Urban Excellence over the past 2.5+ years. Their achievements set a high standard for future CUE members and serve as inspiring examples of dedication and growth.
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Corinne graduated from college during the challenges of a global pandemic, demonstrating remarkable determination. | |
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Lachelle has showcased her culinary talent and skills, excelling as a culinary student and assistant chef—a journey we’ve had the pleasure to support and savor!
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Elijah is advancing his career in security, highlighted by his attainment of a Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit for life—a testament to his commitment and focus.
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We are pleased to announce that their CUE Alumni applications have been approved, making them official members of our first alumni class! Each will soon receive a $500 scholarship check, along with access to our alumni newsletter, resources, and volunteer opportunities starting this November.
Congratulations to Corinne, Lachelle, and Elijah! We’re incredibly proud to have you in the CUE family and look forward to seeing your continued accomplishments
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Keeping Up With CUE
Witness the journey and be inspired! Stay connected and engage with us through our social media channels. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram to watch our stories come alive.
Join our community and see firsthand how we are making a difference.
Be well,
CUE
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The Center for Urban Excellence is co-located at:
Lady Echelon Project, Inc., Downtown Vallejo
236 Georgia Street #102
Boys and Girls Empowerment Group, North Vallejo
1638 Fairgrounds Dr., Suite A
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