Victor Valley College starts Construction Career Readiness Program with $50,000 donation

The Victor Valley College Foundation says it has received a $50,000 donation from Frontier Communities’ CEO Jimmy Previti to launch a new Construction Career Readiness Program which will provide free vocational education in the building trades.

Slated to launch in summer 2018, the program will provide nearly two dozen high school students with the foundation to pursue a successful career in construction as well as a pathway toward securing sought-after certifications as a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician, electrician or plumber.

“This generous $50,000 donation from Jimmy Previti will allow us to reach into the high schools to provide local students with new skills that are necessary for securing good jobs in the building trades,” said Roger Wagner, superintendent/president of Victor Valley College. “Mr. Previti’s support of our new Construction Career Readiness Program marks his latest contribution to our institution and will make the difference between some students dropping out or earning the college credits and certifications they need to pursue future career opportunities.”

Previti, the CEO and founder of one of Southern California’s largest builders, said he is excited to be creating new opportunities for students.

“Like Frontier Communities, I was born and raised in the Inland Empire, so it’s especially satisfying for me to be giving back to our local community by supporting the next generation of tradesmen and tradeswomen who will be building the neighborhoods and businesses of the future,” Previti said. “I am delighted to be partnering with the Victor Valley College Foundation to launch the new Construction Career Readiness Program that will help put local youth on the fast track to new jobs and careers in the construction industry.”

Previti’s contribution also will pay the tuition of the students who will learn aspects and skills of the construction trade. Each student will receive a tool kit with various construction tools for their use on future jobs.

Successful students who graduate from the program with a grade of “C” or better will earn a $500 scholarship for further advancement in programs offering industry-recognized certifications as an HVAC Technician, or in Plumbing or Electrical.

The contribution was made through the John P. Previti Memorial Foundation. Created in 2009 by Jimmy Previti to honor the memory of his brother, John, the foundation has given more than $1 million to non-profit groups across Inland Southern California and beyond, with a particular focus on programs that aid students, abused and injured children, and families in need.