(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Dameron Communications welcomes a new public relations intern to its staff.
Carrie Patrick, a junior at La Sierra University in Riverside, joined Dameron Communications seeking to gain experience in a real public relations work environment that allows her to achieve knowledge and skill in the field of Public Relations before graduating in the spring of 2010.
Internships are important for college students because employers are hesitant to hire people right out of college with no experience. With millions of job cuts all over the U. S. options are decreasing daily.
“The job search is already hard enough with the economy doing so poorly,” Patrick said. “With the experience I gain here I will be able to confidently apply for a career after I earn my bachelor’s degree.”
This is not the first time Dameron Communications has taken interns. Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, believes having interns is important for a company.
“It is critical that we bring interns in because it is the older generations’ responsibility to teach the next generation the field of public relations.” Dameron said. He also believes that interns can benefit the company, “They teach me, too,” Dameron said. “From them I learned that text messaging was the best way to reach the 25 and under public and that soon hand held devices will be responsible for at least 75 percent of Internet access.”
Carrie Patrick is currently earning her degree in the field of communications with an emphasis in public relations and advertising. She has a passion for the sport of soccer and has been playing for more than 10 years. She was recently the Centennial freshman girl’s soccer coach in Corona and is now working at Killarney’s Irish pub located at the Riverside Plaza.
Being a full time student with two jobs is not an easy thing to do.
“I feel that if I put in the effort now, it will pay off later in my life” Patrick said. Carrie says she gained her strong work ethic from her parents and shows it by working hard in school as well as the restaurant and internship at Dameron Communications.
Carl M. Dameron offers a free brochure from Dameron Communications called Effective Advertising & Public Relations. The brochure outlines a step-by-step program to effectively reach a company’s target market, create a positive image of the business and entice their target market to use their products and services despite tough economic times.
(Newport Beach, Calif.) “In tough economic times too many companies stop advertising their business, or they cut their marketing budget because its easier than cutting people,” says Carl M. Dameron, founder and Creative Director of Dameron Communications, Inland Empire leader in public relations and advertising.
“The problem is when you stop asking for business you stop getting business. When sales fall because new customers aren’t coming in the door companies have to cut more expenses. They often reduce the marketing budget and then spiral into business failure. That puts more people out of work than if they had just found a new way to ask for more business.”
“We must never lose sight of the fact we are all products, and keep selling ourselves and our companies’ products,” says Dameron, adding, “However, a great campaign does not stop there. It takes hard work, knowledge and creativity to bridge the gap between the vision of success and actual profit.”
A free brochure from Dameron Communications, Effective Advertising & Public Relations, outlines a step-by-step program to effectively reach a company’s target market, create a positive image of the business and entice their target market to use their products and services.
According to Dameron the solution to increasing business in a changing economy is to change your advertising strategy. “When people had lots of money from constant home refinancing, they bought lots of things they wanted but didn’t need,” he notes. “Now the re-fi money is gone. People also feel poorer because their home values are declining and their mortgage payments are up. Many consumers are recovering from the hangover of big spending. Buyers are redefining their purchases based on what they need, not just want.
Dameron says the solution is to change your approach. “Some businesses understand this. They increase advertising in slow times. When they notice a change in buyer attitudes and adjust their message to consumers.
“One strategy is to lower prices and offer zero down and low interest rates to increase traffic and sales. Why? Because there are always buyers, if properly motivated to buy. As the Creative Director of Dameron Communications, my job is find the new way to motivate customers to buy,” he says.
Dameron offers more solutions to energize or create and implement an Effective Advertising & Public Relations strategy.
The program consists of four major components: Research. The first step in an effective advertising campaign is research. A company must know how much they should invest in their marketing campaign, who the target market is, what media those consumers use and what they want!
Ad Development. The creativity of an ad campaign is spurred during ad development. Generally, the information obtained through research will be used to generate a campaign theme that will grab the target market’s attention and increase traffic.
Media Planning and Placement. Selective media placement ensures the target market knows about the company’s products and services. It is imperative that follow-up research is done to fine tune the media, to maximize budget effectiveness and capture the largest audience.
While a successful campaign fulfills all four components, a combination of effective planning and consistency is also required to be effective.
Additionally, Dameron’s guide gives information on developing effective Public Relations, Government Relations and Community Relations strategies.
Dameron goes one step further. “If your business needs help sorting out your media options or creating a new message, we will provide you a free one-hour consultation on your advertising, public relations, crisis communications, government relations and/or community relations issues,” says Dameron.
For a free copy of Effective Advertising & Public Relations e-mail your request to Info@DameronCommunications.com or call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0321.
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of its clients locally, regionally and nationally. They are an award-winning communications agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. They use advertising, public relations, government relations and community relations to advance their clients’ objectives. The web site is www.DameronCommunications.com.
A committee of, left to right, Andre Bradley and Tina Le Blanc of the Toyota African-American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter, John Barry of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Wilson Johnson of Toyota African-American Collaborative, Sherry West of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications is planning a fashion show celebrating Black History on Feb. 26 at Toyota’s North American Parts Logistics Division in Ontario.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Fashion students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire are gearing up for the first opportunity to showcase their work, a fashion show they will put on for employees of the Toyota North American Parts Center (NAPCC) in Ontario, Calif..
The fashion show will be held on February 26, 2009 at Toyota’s North American Parts Center, 1425 Toyota Way, Ontario, Calif. 91761.
It takes place less than one year after The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire began its fashion programs. It began offering a degree in Fashion & Retail Marketing in March 2008 and a degree in Fashion Design in June 2008.
The show, which is sponsored by Toyota’s African American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter (AAC), will focus specifically on African-American fashion as part of Toyota’s observance of Black History Month 2009.
“We’re very pleased to partner with the Art Institute of California as we come together to recognize diversity within our community,” said Wilson Johnson operations manager for Toyota NAPCC.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start the New Year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
Brenda Erickson is learning about event coordination and public relations through an internship at Dameron Communications. Photo by Noe Melon
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Brenda Erickson joined Dameron Communications (www.DameronCommunications.com) in the fall quarter as a public relations intern. She looks to gain experience and networking in a creative environment that allows her to expand her knowledge while growing as an event coordinator and public relations professional.
“This is a great opportunity for me to learn the true business of public relations. It is one thing to learn the definition of PR in the classroom, it’s another to actually understand and create work in the field of communications,” says Erickson.
Erickson is a student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a public relations emphasis. She will be graduating in December 2008.
Some of her duties at Dameron Communications include writing press releases, inviting community members to political fundraisers, organizing and catering for special events, creating social networking accounts for clients, Web updates, writing and editing, evaluating stories and commercials to put out into the media and filing clips.
Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, is mentoring Erickson to give her the knowledge and experience needed to compete in today’s workforce.
He explains why he accepted Erickson as an intern for Dameron Communications by saying, “Interns bring a fresh perspective, making us look at why we do things a certain way. They bring new techniques and new visions for getting things done. Brenda has experience in event organization and motivating people, and I felt these strengths would be an asset.
“Brenda continues to surprise me with her grasp and understanding of concepts in PR and her ability to ask the right questions at the right time, and she has the tenaciousness and motivation to complete tasks on time; ours is a deadline business. It’s a pleasure working with Brenda,” adds Dameron.
Erickson also has a passion for dance. She has acquired much of her responsibility, organization and social skills through dance practices, performances, competitions and community outreach.
Erickson was a dance team director and coach with San Dimas High School for six years. There she gained responsibility, accountability, leadership skills and the ability to communicate with all personalities. She says, “Being responsible for a team definitely prepared me for the real world workplace.”
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Noé Melon of Paris, France has spent the past three months in the USA learning about graphic design and American-style advertising through an internship at Dameron Communications. He returns to France next week, but not before Dameron Communications holds a party in his honor on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 255 N. D Street, Suite 303, San Bernardino, CA 92401.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Noé Melon joined Dameron Communications (www.Dameroncommunications.com) in the fall semester, as a Graphic Design Intern. He looks to better his creativity in graphic design and learn the American style of advertising while studying abroad in the United States.
Melon is a student at Istitu de Préparation à l’Administration et à la Gestion in Paris, France, where he is working on his marketing degree. He has been in college for three years and has two more with the marketing program. Melon says, “I like graphics in general; I like the arts, designing and working on the computer.”
Melon obtained this internship through KD Conseil, which is a cross-cultural firm in Paris. He indicated he wanted to do an internship at an American company. Kathleen Dameron, head of KD Conseil, was able to set that up, being that her brother, Carl, owns Dameron Communications, an advertising and PR firm in Southern California.
Melon’s hometown is Paris. Growing up, he loved the sport of fencing, graphic design and playing the guitar.
He previously worked for Dell Computers in France as an intern in marketing and graphic design. He was also a representative for a music festival, obtaining sponsors and donations.
Melon will finish this internship with Dameron Communications this month and will return to Paris. He explains what he has learned thus far from working at Dameron Communications by saying, “I have learned to use Quark Express 8; I worked in InDesign in France. My main focus here has been to perfect my skills in graphics and learn the English language.”
Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, is mentoring Melon and encouraging him to use his creative abilities in a work environment. Dameron gives him the opportunity to work independently and create designs that Melon feels are most appropriate for the client.
“Noé brought a fresh and different perspective to the firm,” says Carl Dameron. “His European upbringing gives us a new look at everything we do. His European sensibility gives us a fresh, new perspective on our work projects. Fresh, new perspectives are critical to making sure we deliver to our clients the highest and best creativity possible.”
Carl has seen Melon’s growth through this experience. He says, “I’ve noticed significant advancement in Noe’s ability to solve problems, ask questions, develop and deliver effective and creative messages.”
Melon’s work includes programs, brochures, newsletters, logos and posters for clients, including Black Rose Awards, Urban Dreams Film Festival and LaSalle Medical Associates.
On Wednesday, December 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dameron Communications will host a holiday party at its offices at 255 North D Street, Suite 303. This provides the public an opportunity to meet Melon and view his work.
The party is also an opportunity for those who have not visited Dameron Communications in the last three months to see the new offices to which it moved in September. RSVP with Nicole Acosta at (909) 888-0321.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Carl Dameron will discuss effective campaign strategies in a presentation to the San Bernardino Democratic Club Friday, Dec. 5.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, will discuss effective campaign strategies when the San Bernardino Democratic Club meets 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Carousel Mall.
“From Congress to school board, there are many effective ways to put a candidate in the eye of the public. There are also ways that could do more harm than good,” Dameron said. “I want the Democrats to understand the best ways to campaign for their candidates. The Democratic Party has recently elected a fantastic president, and that will mean great things for the Inland Empire. But that is especially true if the local Democrats successfully campaign to elect men and women who will stand with our new President in bringing about the change he wishes to accomplish. President-elect Obama needs support from elected officials at the federal, state and local levels.”
Dameron has provided public relations services for several election campaigns, including those of California Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales and Rialto City Council Member Deborah Robertson. He will discuss his strategies for putting the candidates into the public spotlight, and how, in at least one case, he was able to turn a rival’s negative campaign into positive publicity.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Public Relations Intern We are looking for two motivated, energetic and enthusiastic interns to work as account coordinators 20 hours each per week on high profile advertising and public relations projects. The agency offers an excellent learning environment and growth prospects for hard-working communications professionals.
Since 1989 Dameron communications has creatively meet the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We create integrated marketing solutions that increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of a potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
We are proud of a client list that features some of the best brands in real estate development, construction, education, healthcare, government, non-profit organizations, entertainment and manufacturing. We have a work environment that fosters growth and opportunity.
Job Description: ➢ Provide support and execution of general and basic administrative duties including: calling, emailing, faxing, updating lists, clip files and books, mailings, data entry, copy editing, answering phones, etc. ➢ Assist in the development of press releases, press kit materials, fact sheets and advisories ➢ Maintain and update a variety of files and reports ➢ Maintain and produce support materials such as photos, press kits and b-roll ➢ Assist in coordinating and implementing press conferences, media and special events ➢ Assist in coordinating and arranging promotions ➢ Assist with media relations and client research ➢ Make pitches and informational media calls ➢ Work a minimum of 20 hour per week
Qualifications: Enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or related field. Be available to serve a minimum of 6 months. No previous agency experience is required. The internships start in the Fall of 2008. Compensation is a $200 a month stipend.
To apply Send your resume with a cover letter describing your career goals by e-mail with the words “Intern” in the subject line to Info@DameronCommuncations.com or by fax at (909) 888-2331. Please direct all inquires by e-mail or fax
Salary/Wage: Salary Commensurate with Experience Status: Full Time Employee Job Category: Advertising/ Public Relations
Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years Career Level: Entry Level Education Level: Associate degree, Bachelor’s degree
Job Purpose: Creates printed advertisement, billboards, magazine, postcards, mailers, flyers, brochures, forms, web pages, web banners by designing and executing user interface elements, graphics, animation, demos, and tutorials; supporting the visual, branding, navigational and stylistic needs of the printed graphics, web site or web application.
Duties: • Prepare work to be accomplished by gathering information and materials. • Photograph and coordinate photo sessions and prepare product features and specifications • Plans concept by studying information and materials • Illustrate concept by designing rough layout of images and copy; resolving issues of arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts • Obtains approval of concept by submitting rough layout for approval • Completes printed advertisement and web projects by coordinating with design, marketing, and development teams • Maintains technical knowledge by attending design workshops; reviewing professional publications; participating in professional societies • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
Skills/ Qualifications: Design and layout skills and tools, Quark Express, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Usability Testing, Preflight preparation for off site printing, Web User Interface Design, Knowledge of Interactive Marketing, Web Graphic Design, Web Multimedia Knowledge, Web Savvy, Creativity, Customer Focus, Graphic Design Skills, Creative Services.
Sharing Trees such as this one from a past holiday season at Inland Center Mall will soon sprout at Inland Center, Montclair Plaza, Ontario Mills Mall and the Redlands Wal-Mart. They’re staffed by workers and volunteers from The Salvation Army and provide an opportunity for visitors to help those less fortunate by shopping for toys on a needy child’s wish list. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calf.) Local Salvation Army Corps and several businesses have joined forces to make this holiday season one the needy children of the Inland Empire will never forget, thanks to a program called Sharing Trees.
“This decades-long program is among the Army’s most popular efforts during the Christmas season,” said Captain Stephen Ball, head of the San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army. The children in need are helped, and the public is rewarded knowing they brought joy to a child who may have otherwise had an empty and sad holiday.”
The Salvation Army takes over portions of the Inland Center Mall (500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino), Ontario Mills Mall (1 Mills Circle, Ontario), Montclair Plaza (5060 E. Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair) and the Redlands Wal-Mart (2050 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands). In each, it sets up a Christmas tree and table starting the day after Thanksgiving.
Attached to branches of the tree are cards with names of children whose families simply cannot afford to buy gifts, as much as they would love to. Shoppers who want to take part by helping disadvantage children simply pluck a tag off the Sharing Tree, read the child’s name and wish list, then head for the appropriate store for a little sharing of their own.
“Why not start a tradition with your family and select a gift for a needy child together?” Capt. Ball suggested.
The Salvation Army also is looking for other businesses in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties, who would like to have a Sharing Tree at their place for employees and/or customers.
“This is a great way for business owners and managers to help the community this Christmas,” Capt. Ball said.
Families with children in need should have their parents submit their request to their nearest Salvation Army Corps in person.
“Bikes, electronic handheld games and clothes are just a few items on each child’s wish list,” Capt. Ball said. “Shoppers who participate in the program are encouraged to shop for more than just what is needed on the list.”
Salvation Army volunteers make sure the presents are wrapped and earmarked for the specific child. A Sharing Tree participant from last year describes her feelings perfectly: “Last year was my first time to participate in this annual Christmas tradition. Making children’s wishes come true brings me happiness. No matter how big or small the gift, the feeling of making a kid’s Christmas enjoyable is all that matters.”
To help, make a donation or for more information please call The Salvation Army at (888) 725-2769.
-end- About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army’s emergency services include food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1 (800) SAL ARMY.
Georgiana Witrago prepares a plate to serve a guest of Cafe d’Eisenhower, the restaurant run by her advanced culinary arts class at Eisenhower High School in Rialto. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – Some high schools have their very own student-run restaurants. Many others have a crew of caterers, preparing on short notice cookies, sandwiches and maybe even gourmet dinners for on-campus activities.
The students who work for these restaurants and caterers are enrolled in Home Economics Careers and Technology courses at the schools. HECT, as its known to those enrolled in the program puts emphasis on preparing students for careers.
These young chefs can knock out killer pastas, decadent tortes, and much more. They graduate from high school with enough experience to work as line chefs, hosts and servers at four and five-star restaurants, and an excellent preparation for college-level culinary programs.
“These are jobs that could give young graduates a great income as they work their way through college,” said Carol Bertotto, Culinary Arts teacher at Eisenhower High School in Rialto. “And if a person has a passion to work in this industry and learns their job well, there is room for advancement into well-paid careers.”
Training starts with the basics. An introductory Home Economics Careers and Technology elective starts with a heavy dose of consumer education. In the beginning of the year, students learn decision-making skills, financial planning and consumers’ rights and responsibilities.
That’s an important foundation for a unit the students complete later in the year on foods and nutrition. At that point, already knowing how to shop for good deals at the grocery store, they’ll learn about healthy eating and meal planning. They’ll even do a little cooking at the end of this unit.
“This class is the base for students living and earning a living in the 21st Century. They learn critical skills and knowledge about food and nutrition, family living and parenting, child development, fashion, and managing personal finances,” said Erevetta Marzette, who teaches this course and others in the culinary arts program at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles.
Consumer and Family Studies, as this course is known at many high schools or Life Management as other schools call it, is all some students take. For others, it’s the foundation of a curriculum that highly focuses on culinary arts or another home economics-related industry.
In the first one or two years, that curriculum is still largely academic. In beginning culinary arts courses, which at many schools are titled “Foods and Nutrition,” students spend some days in “cooking labs,” where they engage in actual cooking activities in their classroom’s multiple kitchens. In these courses students also learn about nutrition, meal planning, food safety and basic cooking techniques .
They’ll likely spend more time in an academic learning environment, listening to lectures and participating in pencil and paper learning activities than they do cooking. This instruction most likely takes place around tables in the same room as the kitchens, but could also be in a separate classroom equipped with desks.
For instance, in mid-October, Culinary Arts 1 students were learning how to add mixed fractions. Why is this important?
“If they’re doubling a recipe and it calls for 1 2/3 cups of flour, what do they do?” asked Bertotto. “Adding fractions is something they must know to cook successfully, but not all have grasped when they start high school.”
About the same time at Dorsey High School, which started its new school year almost a month later than Eisenhower, beginning culinary students were learning the basics of food safety and sanitation and how to store and prepare food properly, so as to prevent the growth of bacteria and food poisoning.
This part of the training is so important, Marzette would not allow students to participate in cooking labs until they passed a food safety test. She was also re-testing advanced culinary students on food safety and sanitation before allowing them to begin the actual cooking activities that are part of their curriculum.
The cooking labs in a beginning culinary class often focuses primarily on baking. “Baking is where you learn proper technique,” Bertotto explained. “Anything else might not taste as good, but it’s still going to come out if you make a mistake. But you can’t bake incorrectly.”
Intermediate culinary courses are also academic-focused, but in these students learn a variety of cooking techniques. They also learn to plan entire menus, which they then cook. And they help the advanced students with some of their projects.
“By helping they learn more,” said Sonia Rincon, an 11th-grader in the Advanced Culinary Arts course at Eisenhower High School. “If they get to our level, they’ll know what to do.”
At Eisenhower High School, the advanced culinary course largely focuses on Café d’ Eisenhower. On Thursdays during fourth period and the two lunch periods, Bertotto’s classroom is transformed into a school restaurant with seating for 30 teachers, counselors, administrators, support staff and other invited guests.
Students spend Mondays and Tuesdays planning meals, Wednesdays and Thursdays cooking meals and cleaning up (staying after school both days) and Fridays tying up loose ends before starting the cycle over again.
At Eisenhower and many other high schools, students also cook for on-campus events, such as awards dinners. Sometimes they go off campus as well.
For instance, before the 2008 election, Dorsey High School’s advanced culinary students catered lunches daily to a Barak Obama campaign office in downtown Los Angeles. On election night, they catered to the Democratic Party’s headquarters in Culver City
Advanced culinary courses also include developing food products and marketing them. Students also work in internships at nearby hotels, such as Marriott or Hyatt.
While some schools’ advanced hospitality-related programs focus entirely on training future chefs, bakers and caterers, others expand the curriculum to embrace other aspects of the hospitality industry, such as lodging, travel and tourism. event planning; theme parks, attractions, and exhibitions and recreation. Study within a course focusing on these aspects of hospitality would include organizational management; customer service; sales and marketing; facilities management; lodging; travel destinations; and reservations, ticketing, and itineraries.
Additionally, some high schools offer advanced Home Economics Careers and Technology courses focusing on food science, dietetics and nutrition. These would prepare students for careers as dieticians and nutritionists and they could work in such places as hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, government health departments and universities.
At many high schools, graduating seniors who have completed all of the tightly focused courses within a concentration (Food Service & Hospitality, Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation or Food Science, Dietetics & Nutrition) receive certificates with their diploma, recognizing the vocational skills for whic
h they are qualified. Many other high schools are in the process of developing new courses to begin offering the certificates to graduates in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
The program now known as HECT has undergone a transformation over the last 40 years. Prior to the 1960s, the program focused on training women in skills they would need as wives and mothers. But, as more women began working outside the home, California changed its home economics curriculum to reflect this, and added the Home Economics Related Occupations component.
As all professions, including those in home economics related industries became more dependent on technology, so did the courses offered in secondary schools. To reflect this change, California renamed its home economics program Home Economics Careers and Technology in the 1990s.
There are more than 750 schools offering Home Economics Careers and Technology courses. More than 300,000 students are enrolled in these classes throughout the state.
For more information, call Janice DeBenedetti at (916) 323-5025.
