Founded

S4CA was implemented in 2006 as a vision of the Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building Trades Council and San Jose City College and with a grant from the California State Chancellors Office and a substantial cash donation from industry and union affiliates.

The primary objectives of the organization were to:

1. Increase the number of people prepared to enter the construction industry workforce

2. Expand the number of students in construction industry education and training programs

3. Improve existing programs

4. Support/create pathway models that could be duplicated by other counties throughout California.

Focus activities included the implementation of a Construction Technology Academy in partnership with East Side Union High School District and articulation of construction courses between East Side Union High School District and San Jose City College. Activities also included professional development workshops for middle school, high school and college faculty; outreach to county school districts, and a series of forums to update relevant participants and community with education and industry issues. The grant objectives were achieved by 2008 and, with strong leadership and participation by the Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building Trades Council, S4CA has developed and expanded its mission of promoting the construction industry as a viable career option. At present, the S4CA partnership includes over 50 partners, participants, and industry supporters, a thriving collaborative that promotes industry workforce development, participant networking, and pathways for upward mobility of existing workers.