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The Miguel Contreras Foundation Newsletter Hub 

Our story

About the MCF Newsletter

The MCF newsletter is our way of staying connected with you — our community. Each quarter, we share stories of perseverance and success from our trainees and partners, updates on upcoming programs and events, and opportunities to get involved in building pathways to good jobs and brighter futures. It's a space to celebrate progress, highlight impact, and stay inspired by the work we’re doing together to strengthen our communities.

🌱 MCF In Action 🔨
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NY Times Highlights MCLC Student Nory Sontay Ramos’ Story and the Human Cost of Deportation | OCT 2025

"Nory Doesn't Go to School Here Anymore" - The New York Times recently featured the story of Nory Sontay Ramos, an MCLC honors student we’ve been proud to support through our Voices of Libertad campaign. Her journey - marked by courage, loss, and resilience - is a powerful reminder of why we continue to fight for dignity and justice for all immigrant families.

Read The Story Here
MCLC Celebration Pics

MCF and LAUSD Honor Miguel Contreras’ Legacy with Community Celebration | SEPT 2025

Over 200 students, educators, and labor leaders came together to celebrate Miguel Contreras’ 73rd birthday with powerful stories, music, and a renewed commitment to his legacy. See how the day inspired a new generation of changemakers.

See Article Here
Pathways Image Newsletter #2

MCF Launches First Pathways Apprenticeship Fair @ Garfield HS, Connecting Students to Unions | SEPT 2025

The first-ever Pathways Apprenticeship Fair at Garfield High School brought together 175 students and 11 union partners - inspiring the next generation of workers to see themselves in high-road, high-impact careers. See below to see the impact of the event!

Learn More Here
Armando Appointed Workforce Development Board

Mayor Karen Bass Appoints MCF’s Armando Loza to the 2025 Workforce Development Board | JUNE 2025

From union halls to City Hall - MCF’s Executive Director, Armando Loza, has been appointed to the 2025 Workforce Development Board. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to building pathways that uplift working families across Los Angeles.

See Press Release Here
CJF Press Release Image

MCF Awarded $400,000 Catalyst Grant to Launch LA Electric Technology Workforce Initiative | JUNE 2025

The future is electric - and equitable. MCF just received a $400,000 Catalyst Grant to launch a groundbreaking Green Technology Workforce Initiative, training Angelenos for high-quality jobs in EV and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

See Press Release Here
🌱 THE BULLETIN: Upcoming Jobs, Opportunities, and Events 🗞️

🔧 Join an MCF Program

Looking to start a new career, get training, or connect with union opportunities? The Miguel Contreras Foundation’s Labor One-Stop Center helps individuals access free programs in construction, healthcare, hospitality, and more. Our team can guide you to apprenticeships, certifications, and supportive services to help you build a strong, stable future.
📋 Ready to get started? Fill out our quick Program Interest Form at miguelcontrerasfoundation.org to connect with an MCF team member.

⚡ Empower: Women in Electrical Trades

Ready to energize your future? The EMPOWER Mentorship Program at the Electrical Training Institute (ETI) supports women exploring or advancing in electrical construction careers. Enjoy free dinners, hands-on workshops, inspiring guest speakers, and exciting raffles—all while connecting with a community of women shaping the industry.
🗓️ When: 2nd Thursdays | 4:00 PM
📍 Where: ETI Campus Multi-Purpose Room, 6023 Garfield Ave, Commerce, CA 90040
📧 RSVP: Email empower@laett.com to join the next meeting.

 

💡 Start Your IBEW 11 Apprenticeship Journey

Ready to begin a rewarding electrical career? The IBEW 11 Apprenticeship Program offers paid training, mentorship, and a path to union membership. The process includes an application, orientation videos, a personal experience form, an aptitude test, and selection into the Pool of Eligibles — leading to Boot Camp and apprenticeship placement.
⚙️ Next Step: Visit the Electrical Training Institute to learn more and start your application.
🔗 Learn More & Apply

 

⚡ Future Artisans of Bending (FAB) Workshop

Looking to sharpen your conduit bending skills? Join IBEW 11 for a free, hands-on Future Artisans of Bending (FAB) workshop — a supportive, low-pressure space to practice your trade and connect with others in the electrical field.
🗓️ When: Every 3rd Saturday | 10:30AM–2:30PM
📍 Where: ETI High Bay
👷 Required Attire: Safety glasses, gloves, work boots, and work clothes
📧 RSVP: Email empower@laett.com with “FAB RSVP”

☕ Paid Hospitality Training for Fire-Impacted Workers

The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) is offering FREE pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for LA County residents affected by the January 2025 wildfires. Participants can train as prep cooks, line cooks, or baristas, and receive supportive services for uniforms, tools, and transportation.

🧑‍🍳 Who Can Apply: LA County residents 18+ impacted by the fires and authorized to work in the U.S.
🔗 Learn more & enroll: bit.ly/FireWorkforce

🌱 Join the Movement ✊

Support Nory’s Future

Your donation helps Nory and other students whose dreams have been disrupted by current immigration policies.

Give $75 or more and receive an exclusive student-created art piece as a token of solidarity and hope.

Mel Depaz Voice of Libertad Artwork

Partner for Pathways

Join us in building the next generation of union leaders by becoming a vendor or partner for our Pathways Apprenticeship Fairs.

Together, we can connect students to hands-on training and life-changing career opportunities. 

Pathways Image Newsletter #2

Strengthen Our Mission

Your contribution fuels every Miguel Contreras Foundation program - from youth leadership to workforce development to worker justice.

Help us continue empowering communities and creating pathways to good, union jobs. 

UPS C2S Grad Photo #2