Jose first entered EntreNous with the goal of obtaining his diploma in our Accredited High School Diploma program.
While in the program, he also participated in our Impactful Bites training program and gained valuable culinary arts skills.
After earning his diploma, Jose used his diploma and culinary arts training to launch his career as an Assistant Manager at a Major Restaurant Chain.
Words from Jose
What experience in the program had a big impact on you? “The program helped me with my diploma, my mental health, how to cook, and how to find a job.”
What goals feel more possible today? “I feel like anything is possible if I put my time and energy into it.”
What would you say to someone considering these programs? “These programs are worth the time and energy if you want more opportunities for yourself.”
Maria’s Story
Words from Maria
“Before getting introduced to the program, I would never have seen myself living the life I am now.
I knew I wasn’t going down the right path in life, making decisions that made me feel like I wasn’t going to be successful. At that point, I wasn’t thinking about finishing school at all.
YouthBuild changed my life in the way that they opened doors for me, giving me the opportunity to show them that I want to be someone, that I want to better myself in life, not just for myself, but for my kids as well.”
Oscar’s Journey
Oscar R. proudly obtained his high school diploma in June of 2015 and remained actively involved with Compton YouthBuild as an alumnus.
By the fall of 2019, he expressed his readiness to join the Union. Accompanied by his director, Sara Silva, Oscar attended the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 562 monthly meeting, where he confidently introduced himself and declared his readiness to work.
Oscar then secured a position as a Concrete Apprentice, marking the beginning of his career in construction.
Oscar most recently completed his apprenticeship with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and now works as a journeyman carpenter.
Tony’s Journey & Words from Tony
Edwin’s Journey
In 2025, Edwin enrolled in Constructing Success Academy and earned the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) certification, gaining the skills and industry exposure to pursue a career in the union trades.
He went on to earn one of just 40 spots in the Western States Carpenters Local 323 Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp.
Through hard work and determination, Edwin graduated at the top of his class and was accepted into the Carpenters Union as an apprentice with Local 323 (now Local 91).
Today, Edwin is building a career with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and long-term advancement opportunities.
Val’s Journey
In 2023, Val enrolled in Impactful Bites, where she earned the AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook credential and gained hands-on work experience supporting catering events at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Today, Val is a Chef and Café Lead earning $25 per hour—a 67% wage increase from where she started. She now helps train new kitchen staff and plays a leadership role in the kitchen.
Words from Val
“Impactful Bites really helped me when it comes to working in a kitchen. I learned things in the kitchenI did not even know existed.
Impactful Bites also showed mehow to work together.I always wanted to do things on my own and be ahead of everyone, but I always got something wrong that way. I learned that when you work together, things come together perfectly.
Xochilt’s Journey
At the start of 2026, Xochilt enrolled in Impactful Bites. There she gained the skills and industry exposure to start her culinary journey.
She was officially hired as the Culinary Instructor Assistant at EntreNous while in our program. After gaining experience as a Culinary Instructor Assistant at EntreNous and completing placement hours with Aramark during our program, Xochilt was hired full-time by Aramark as a Cook at $20/hour.
Today, Xochilt is training to be a lead cook and training new kitchen staff for Aramark at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Words from Xochilt
My experience at Compton YouthBuild had an impact on me because it helped me gain confidence, build meaningful relationships, and believe in my future. Being young, balancing school, motherhood, and my goals wasn’t easy, but the support I received from every staff member and classmate kept me motivated.
One of the things I’m most proud of is everything I accomplished in the culinary program, which strengthened my passion for cooking. Today, my dreams feel achievable because this program gave me the knowledge, hands-on experience, and encouragement to keep pushing forward.
To anyone considering Compton YouthBuild, I would say don’t hesitate. This program truly changed the way pictured my future. If you’re willing to work hard and stay committed, you’ll leave with more than an education, you’ll leave with confidence, purpose, and a support system that believes in you
