CTB hosts Classroom to Career Day

Twentynine Palms -- Communication Training Battalion partnered with Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council to host the Classroom to Career Day aboard the Combat Center May 26, 2016. CTB and the Girl Scouts organized the event to enable youth toward professional development and foster community relationships.

More than 70 middle school students came to the Combat Center from San Bernardino and Riverside County to get a first-hand look at careers offered in the Marine Corps and Navy.

Career volunteers from eight base organizations including Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, and 23rd Dental Company, escorted the girls through their workplaces while answering informal questions and providing advice.

“It’s important to educate the girls on every opportunity so they can make the best decision for their future,” said Sgt. Kelsey Marvel, chief investigator, Provost Marshal’s Office.

Many career day volunteers gave the girls insight on military careers to help make an informed decision on joining the military, college, or the workforce.

“I learned a lot talking to the [Marines and sailors],” said Rosario Garcia, 14, student. “It’s good to see all the options I have.”

Lt. Col. Rhesa Ashbacher, Combat Center Staff Judge Advocate, and Lt . Col. Erin McHale, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, led the Power Lunch portion of the event, which was focused on providing the girls with career knowledge and confidence through casual conversation.

In its second year, the Classroom to Career program has grown to involve 20 different schools and has educated more than 2,000 girls.

The program has visited businesses organizations throughout southern California, but this was the program’s first visit to a military installation.

“We want to show the girls some careers they probably would never think of,” said Carrie Raleigh, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics program manager, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio. “It’s also exciting for the girls to come out and see some of the females who’ve emerged as leaders and the roles they’re taking on.”