SAN FRANCISCO – Lennar is helping youth and young adults in Bayview-Hunters Point learn cutting-edge skills in the rapidly changing field of digital media as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to job training and job creation in the community.
The Bayview-Hunters Point Center for Arts and Technology (BAYCAT) has been training youth and young adults through its Digital Design and Media Arts Career Training Pilot Program, funded through a $150,000 donation from Lennar. During the first year of the program, BAYCAT recruited and trained 35 young adults.
“We want to thank Lennar for their tremendous generosity,” said BAYCAT President and CEO Villy Wang. “Through the company’s donation, we have been able to reach youth and young adults who otherwise would not have the chance to learn these 21st century job skills.
Lennar’s donation has also helped fund BAYCAT’s efforts to identify a further 70 prospective recruits for training in film and TV production, motion graphics and animation, graphic design and web design.
“Lennar is committed to investing in the residents of this community, which is why we actively seek out non-profit organizations such as BAYCAT who stimulate economic growth by supporting small businesses and providing job opportunities to young adults in the Bayview,” said Kofi Bonner, President of Lennar Urban’s Bay Area Division. “We are as dedicated to improving people’s lives as we are to improving this section of San Francisco and consider our work at the Hunters Point Shipyard more than just a long-term construction project.”
In addition to reaching out to Bayview-Hunters Point residents, BAYCAT has also been providing professional marketing and design services to local businesses, non-profit organizations and cultural institutions on a low-cost or pro bono basis.
BAYCAT also has developed an internship and education program. The program consists of a year’s worth of training with 100 hours of work required per semester. Upon completion, students can qualify for entry level employment in the digital media arts and technology field.
For more information about this program, visit www.baycat.org.
For information about Lennar’s redevelopment of Hunters Point Shipyard and related community benefits, please visit www.hunterspointshipyard.com.