Fontana, CA — On Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fontana’s Visionaries, Builders, and Game Changers (VBG) Initiative will host its annual Pathfinder Day, offering high school students a one-day internship experience designed to bridge the gap between education and real-world job experience.

Organized by Tomorrow’s Talent, Pathfinder Day provides students with hands-on exposure to essential career skills across various industries.

The event partners with local businesses and organizations to create micro-internships that give students an inside look into the professional world.

Unlike previous years, this year’s Pathfinder Day will emphasize skill development rather than industry-specific knowledge.

The event will introduce participants to critical skills such as entrepreneurship, critical thinking and design, representing the “Visionaries” group.

The “Builders” group will focus on editing, marketing, and culinary arts, while the “Game Changers” category will explore healthcare, welding and electrical work.

Each month, the VBG Initiative will highlight different skills and career paths. The Feb. event will coincide with National Entrepreneurship Month, offering students field trips to innovation hubs like the Garner Holt Library Animaker Space and the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino.

Pathfinder Day also serves to address employment challenges faced by historically underserved groups, including Black high school graduates.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Black youth ages 16 to 19 was 18.4% in 2023, nearly twice the national average for all youth.

Programs like Pathfinder Day aim to reduce these disparities by equipping students with practical, in-demand skills and connecting them with local employers.

The VBG Initiative was established to connect local students with educational and career opportunities. Through events like Pathfinder Day, the program seeks to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of Fontana’s workforce.

The success of Pathfinder Day relies heavily on partnerships with local businesses. Employers who participate not only contribute to student growth but also gain early access to potential future employees.

Businesses interested in participating can contact Monique Carter at mcarter@fontanaca.gov.

For more information, visit fontanaca.gov.