Facebook partnership aiming to change lives

Hammonds is now going on about five years with Facebook as an operations technician, and credits the collaborative initiative for giving him the requisite skills and opportunities to build his career.

“Landing at a place like Facebook, not only did I learn so much, but there were a lot of good people around me who could help teach me,” said Hammonds.

Building on success stories like Hammonds, Facebook and Year Up announced Monday, July 16, plans to expand their partnership to offer more local young adults without a college degree a chance to follow a similar path.

Beginning in September, those between 18 and 24 living in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, East Palo Alto and Redwood City will be offered priority to join the inaugural, free job training and internship program hosted at Facebook’s campus.

Participants will receive six months of rigorous technical courses in fields such as IT development, project management and sales support, feeding into a six-month internship. Those who complete the one-year program may field job offers from Facebook, or take their advanced skills to the workforce elsewhere.

Studies show the program, which has served more than 2,330 young adults throughout the Bay Area since 2008, is working. Year Up participants earn 53 percent more than other, similar young adults, according to a press release, and start with salaries in the neighborhood of about $47,000 annually. Facebook alone has hired 91 Year Up graduates.

Recognizing many often cannot afford to sacrifice a paycheck while focusing on education or professional development, Year Up participants also receive a stipend while enrolled.

Bernita Dillard, a public policy manager specializing in recruitment for Facebook, said she was encouraged to build the relationship between the two agencies after witnessing the quality opportunities established for locals who otherwise might struggle to enjoy such access.

“I’m just inspired by the work they are doing and the impact they have,” she said.

The collaboration provides an additional benefit, as Facebook seeks to build a bridge with its local community.

Dillard said the program is an extension her company’s larger program designed to offer opportunities to underrepresented communities along the Peninsula. Facebook also offers a job fair, professional development workshops and referral programs for locals seeking career advancement.

“This is changing young peoples’ lives and really making an impact and launching new careers for people who are from East Palo Alto, Belle Haven and Redwood City,” she said.

Year Up Executive Director Emily Schaffer also lauded the unique platform presented by the program and partnership.

“What we are most excited about is connecting young people to the economic opportunity right here in the Bay Area. And this is an incredible opportunity to do this,” she said.

She noted there is an additional benefit offered through enriching communities which are altered due to the impact of local tech companies such as Facebook. And the companies are able to build a more diverse workforce in the process, which could lead to creation of a more inclusive product.

“There is no doubt this will enable companies to better understand and connect with their user base and create a world that works better for everyone, not just some people,” she said, noting the program is seeking applicants for the first class starting this fall.

For Hammonds, he said the partnership offered him the chance he needed to get a leg up in a lucrative field.

“It’s just a real good launching pad for individuals who come from different backgrounds,” he said.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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