Building a Local Pipeline to Credentials, College & Careers
AVTECH exists so Antelope Valley youth (16–24) can move from training → certification → college or career with coaching, community, and real employer connections.
Cohorts are Guide-led on a fixed 16-week schedule using Model B: 3 in-person days/week at 3 hours/day plus ~6 hours of guided independent work. Sequence: Google Fundamentals → Google IT Support Certificate.
- Local employers report persistent IT support talent gaps.
- Entry roles need verified skills + hands-on experience.
- Centers underserved youth across the Antelope Valley.
- Structured, mentored cohort beats go-it-alone online.
In development with Antelope Valley College (AVC) and the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) for referrals, WEX/OJT, and college credit pathways; with The Community Action League (tcal.info) for outreach and on-ramps.
The Challenge
In earlier decades, students often left high school with trade skills and a clear path into work. Today many graduate without an industry credential or network, while employers in our aerospace-anchored region struggle to hire locally for entry-level tech roles.
- Credentials matter for first jobs and college credit
- Mentorship + accountability beat “go it alone” online
- Local pipelines reduce commute and keep wages local
Our Solution
A mentored, cohort-based model built on Google Career Certificates — starting with Google Fundamentals and continuing into the Google IT Support Certificate — with weekly coaching, hands-on labs, and career navigation, aligned to AJCC/AVC pathways and employer needs.
- Training → Certification → College or Career
- Study halls, tutoring, and resume/LinkedIn/mock interviews
- In development: AJCC WEX/OJT and AVC credit alignment
How AVTECH Operates
Guide-Led Cohorts
Two AVTECH Guides lead sessions, labs, study halls, and weekly check-ins — clear pacing and real accountability.
Schedule: 16 weeks • 3 in-person days/week • 3 hours/day + ~6 hrs independent
Career Services
Resume & LinkedIn build, mock interviews, employer talks, referrals, and networking.
Systems Alignment
Built for workforce & education partners: reporting, pathways, and employer engagement with AJCC and AVC.
Leadership & Governance
Patrice Lumumba Floyd Jr., President — AVTECH is a family-powered, community-rooted nonprofit led by residents of the Antelope Valley.
- Background: graphic & web design; Northrop Grumman; AVC AFAB (WIOA)
- Service: AVC Math Lab & Counseling; Antelope Valley Community Uplift Foundation
- Community recognition by CA Assemblymember Tom Lackey
Officers: President (Patrice) • Secretary (Lamont Floyd) • Director (Romel Floyd) • First Official Volunteer (Jaelyn Hepburn)
Trademark note: Google and Google Career Certificates are trademarks of Google LLC. AVTECH participates in Grow with Google; course content is delivered on Coursera. Partnerships with Antelope Valley College and America’s Job Center are in development and not yet formalized.