Center for Employment Training Named Non-Profit of the Year for Transformative Workforce Development
Coachella, CA — The Center for Employment Training (CET) has been named Non-Profit of the Year, recognizing its more than 50 years of impactful service and its ongoing commitment to strengthening the local community through skilled training, job placement, and economic empowerment.
At its Coachella site, CET is driven by a dedicated team of 13 passionate professionals who work tirelessly to connect individuals and families to sustainable, high-quality career pathways. Through a proven model rooted in hands-on learning and real-world outcomes, CET has transformed the lives of generations of students by promoting economic mobility and long-term financial stability.
CET offers 600–900 hours of immersive, hands-on training in Business Office Administration, Green Building Construction, and HVAC Technician & Green Technology. Expanding access to in-demand careers, the center is preparing to launch an Electrician (Residential & General) training program in partnership with the City of Coachella and Coachella Prospera TCC Grants, further strengthening workforce opportunities in the region.
Through strong community partnerships, CET actively pursues funding to support underserved populations, including the HIRE grant, which assists system-impacted individuals, and the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) grant, which upskills members of the local farmworking community. Understanding the challenges many students face, CET provides comprehensive supportive services and collaborates with local organizations to address critical needs such as transportation, food security, housing, health services, and financial literacy.
CET’s impact is guided by Center Director Melissa Corea, whose background in business ownership and development brings innovation and strategic vision to trade education. Her leadership emphasizes securing grant funding, removing barriers to participation, and ensuring that high-quality training remains accessible to all.
Driven by a deep commitment to workforce equity and community impact, Corea leads by example—supporting her team, advocating for students, and aligning training programs with real-world employer needs. She considers witnessing individuals transform their lives through education and meaningful employment to be the most rewarding aspect of her work.
Further strengthening its mission, CET integrates program alumni into instructional and administrative roles, reinforcing program quality while deepening community connection. With the continued support of its valued community partners, the Center for Employment Training remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding opportunity and improving lives across the region.
