Imagine trying to escape the specter of gang involvement or the hopeless feeling of teen pregnancy, and you may be able to appreciate what a program called JobsPlus is doing for at risk teenage students in Kern County. JobsPlus reaches out to students enrolled in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ Court and Community Schools Division, who have previously been expelled or are at serious risk of dropping out. Combined with the education they are receiving in community schools, it is giving them an opportunity to earn and learn what it takes to succeed as an adult. Some of those it is helping are Luis Castro, Ashley Aragon and Richard Flores. Castro, a former gang member had been continuously expelled every year since he was caught selling drugs in eighth grade. Aragon had her hopes of graduating with her class and a bright future shattered by teen pregnancy. Flores faced life after foster care at age 18 without financial support or any tangible job skills. All are enrolled at Community Learning Center Tech where they had to be 30 credits away from graduation, while maintaining good attendance and academic standing to be eligible for JobsPlus. “With JobsPlus we engage students in work-related learning experiences, career awareness and contextual learning opportunities that prepare them for graduation and postsecondary education,” said Career Development Specialist Andrea Parsons. “These days, high school graduation isn’t enough — students have to be prepared to take it to the next level. They are taught résumé writing and interview preparation, job search and knowledge of labor markets skills, and we can even provide them with appropriate clothes for job interviews.” More