CSEP partners with new Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program
CSEP joins in the newly launched Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program “Precision Manufacturing Career Pathways for All” project. CSEP will collaborate with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce to strengthen STEM career pathways from middle school to high school Career Technical Education programs.
Press Release from Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that we have been selected as a funding recipient in the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program, receiving grant support for our “Precision Manufacturing Career Pathways for All” project. This initiative is part of Uplift Central Coast’s broader effort to drive economic growth, workforce development, and equitable opportunities across the region.
The Uplift Central Coast program awarded $9 million in Catalyst Predevelopment Funding to 36 organizations, including the Chamber, as part of a competitive selection process that saw 136 proposals submitted. This funding supports early-stage planning and feasibility efforts for projects that will shape the future workforce, industry, and economic resilience of the region.
“We are honored to receive this grant from the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program. This funding enables us to strengthen our commitment to workforce development by connecting students directly with industry professionals. By fostering these connections, we aim to build a robust talent pipeline that supports the precision and advanced manufacturing sectors across our region,” said Kristen Miller, President & CEO, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.
About the Project
Launching in 2025-2026, the Chamber’s initiative will build on our Workforce Development Program, which began in 2024 with support from the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board. This collaborative project spans San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, with a focus on strengthening Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in precision and advanced manufacturing.
The initiative will embed industry mentors in K-14 CTE classrooms, providing students with hands-on industry insights and career pathways that do not require a four-year degree. This program directly supports regional workforce needs by ensuring that students have access to training, mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials to successfully enter the manufacturing sector.
Key Strategies:
- Industry Mentorship in CTE Classrooms – Connecting students with precision and advanced manufacturing professionals.
- Early Career Relationship-Building – Creating a pipeline for students to transition into high-quality careers.
- Industry Internships hosted in CTE Classrooms – Early professional experiences for students leveraging industry-aligned CTE curricula.
- Industry Mentors as Part-Time Instructors – Validating professionals as CTE instructors through UCSB PaCE.
- UCSB PaCE Industry Certification – Equipping students with recognized credentials to improve job readiness.
Project Partners:
- UCSB PaCE – Training industry mentors as instructors and developing industry-recognized CTE certificates.
- SLO Partners | San Luis Obispo County Office of Education – Facilitating industry engagement in K-14 CTE classrooms (SLO County).
- CSU Channel Islands – Facilitating industry engagement in K-14 CTE classrooms (Ventura County).
- Partners in Education – Providing career readiness training for students and instructional training for industry mentors.
- UCSB CSEP – Strengthening STEM career pathways from middle school to high school CTE programs.
“We look forward to working with our partners, engaging with industry leaders, and supporting students in building fulfilling careers in precision and advanced manufacturing. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this initiative to life,” stated Ben Werner, Workforce Development Program Lead
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce launched its Workforce Development Hub in 2024, a comprehensive online resource designed to streamline the process for employers and job seekers to access the various workforce development resources throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast region. This innovative platform is now live at WDHub.SBSCChamber.com.
The Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program is a transformative effort, investing in projects that will enhance economic resilience, workforce development, and sustainability across six counties. The Chamber is proud to be among the selected recipients, contributing to a future where education and industry collaborate to create accessible, high-quality career pathways. For more information on Uplift Central Coast, visit UpliftCentralCoast.org.
About Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, from Goleta to Carpinteria, is a regional business organization with the mission to help South Coast businesses, residents, and visitors thrive. Through leadership and collaboration, the Chamber is the principal economic development entity advocating for the business community. We engage with businesses, elected officials, and regional partners in proactive business initiatives that foster the South Coast’s unique business environment and create opportunities for our communities. The Chamber is proud to represent local business members who create 75,000 jobs on the South Coast! To learn more, visit sbscchamber.com.
