BWOPA, on the Frontline of Black Politics in California for 55 Years

By Max ElramsisyCalifornia Black Media Advocates in California committed to improving the skills of individuals to meet the human resource needs of the state want to see more diversity among young people joining the workforce. Dr. Angelo Farooq, Chair of the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), says he’s proud of the work his office has done to connect young people from diverse backgrounds to opportunities in various fields — but more needs to be done. The CWDB is a board reporting to the Governor that is charged with overseeing and strengthening the state’s workforce development system, governing all federal workforce funds coming into the state, and developing a common policy framework for related programs. “The CWDB partners with other governmental entities such as the Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Education, and Department of Social Services to leverage funding to facilitate access to work experience opportunities for youth, including paid state internship programs,” Farooq told California Black Media (CBM). Farooq, who was appointed Chair of the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs (NASWBC) in August, says the CWDB also partners with non-profit organizations to open pathways to careers for young Californians. “The CWDB received approval from the federal Department of...