SER of Orange County

SER of Orange County was founded in 1966 and has been incorporated to the State of California since 1971 as a private nonprofit organization holding a tax exempt status under section 501© of the IRS. SER is accredited by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) Since 1972 SER-Jobs For Progress, Inc. in conjunction with Rancho Santiago Community College District’s School of Continuing Adult Education has been offering tuition free educational and vocational job training programs. Presently, SER offers the following programs:

Educational:
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
GED Preparation (Equivalent to the High School Diploma)

Vocational Job Training:
Clerical Business Skills
Computer Skills

Employment Services:
Job Referral & Placement Services

WHAT IS SER?

The initial of SER stand for Service, Employment and Redevelopment. In Spanish SER means “to be”. The organization was established in the spring of 1964 by two national organizations: the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and G.I. Forum.

SER presently operates ninety-five programs located in eighty-one cities throughout the United States. With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, each program is structured to meet the specific needs of the community. As a community-based organization, SER has the commitment to upgrade the social and economic status of members of our community.

SER of Orange County has been incorporated to the State of California since 1971 as a private non-profit organization holding a tax exempt status under SEC 501© of the IRS. Additionally, SER is accredited by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

A Message from the Executive Director

I invite you to visit our school so you can see the efforts, through education, that are taking pace to make Santa Ana a better community. You will see the typical SER student. A Latino, working full time at a job with a limited future, but doing a little more, using education to improve his or her chance of getting a better job. You will also see instructors enthusiastically presenting lessons. You will noticed a bond and synergism generated when motivated teachers work motivated students.

I would also like to thank a few others, some who you won't see, who through their continued efforts, have made SER a special place:

• John Cronin for his continuous efforts toward helping SER resolved financial difficulties.
• Textron Aerospace for their cooperation and efforts to provide parking for SER students and teachers.
• The Boeing Company for their support of the SER Graduation ceremonies.

STUDENT’S CHARACTRISTIC

17.5 years of age and over 60% average age is 26 years. 85% Hispanic 65% female 60% non-English speaking

The Parent Organizations

Since its founding in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has grown to become our country’s largest, oldest and most powerful national Hispanic volunteer services organization in 45 states. As a nonprofit 501 ( C )(4) corporation, LULAC pursues an agenda with the objective of benefiting virtually every area of need and concern of our Hispanic community.

Their concentrated efforts focus on education scholarships, employment civil rights, housing programs for the young and old, voting and redistricting rights. They continue to be in the forefront of immigrations issues.

FACT: The American work force, with its rapidly growing Hispanic population, 30 million in 2000, will be prepared to meet the international competitive Challenges our nation faces. Therefore, it is of vital importance that we increase the higher education participation of Hispanic students.

FACT: Today, the current 57 percent drop-out rate among Hispanic high school students is increasing and for those few who enter universities and vocational schools, the retention levels are decreasing.

League of United Latin American Citizens
California Educational Foundation
Post Office Box 797• Stanton, CA 90680• 714-898-2312