Oscar Ramirez, 20, had an idea that would have been crazy a decade ago, “Compton, California to 1 percent of the police department’s budget to youth development programs.”
He pitched it to the city’s mayor, Aja Brown, and she said yes. “It took us a while, but we got it done,” Ramirez says. Mayor Brown was so impressed with his speaking skills, she offered him an internship.
His 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 Xochilt
“Impactful Bites really helped me when it comes to working in a kitchen. I learned things in the kitchen I did not even know existed.
Impactful Bites also showed me how 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
