The Center for International Trade Development (CITD) in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) launched a new initiative project in spring 2008 called the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP). Leading this program is Maricela Sandoval who, through YEP, provides the opportunity for low- to moderate-income young adults, ages 18-27, to acquire entrepreneurial skills in business and international trade.
Before joining CITD and Orange County SBDC, Maricela worked as a High School and Community Outreach Specialist for both Santa Ana College and the Centennial Education Center. Under the Office of School and Community Partnerships, Maricela helped coordinate student-based programs such as ENLACE and GEAR UP, which focus on the recruitment and retention efforts of college-bound youth. In this role, she fostered partnerships with educational institutions, community-based organizations, parent groups, and local businesses. She also assisted in the development and implementation of program evaluations, expenditure reports, and match-funding projects that contributed to the annual performance outcomes. Maricela also worked with the Graduate Success Program out of Centennial Education Center where she coordinated the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) grant.
Prior to Santa Ana College, she was a Community Outreach Coordinator for Taller San Jose, a program by the Sisters of St. Joseph, where undereducated and unemployed young adults have the opportunity to finish their education and develop the skills to find a job with a living wage. Additionally, Maricela coordinated projects for UCI’s HABLA educational outreach program and is currently an instructor in the High School Subjects Program at Santa Ana College where she teaches reading and mathematics to assist students in obtaining their high school diploma or GED. She strongly believes in sustaining a positive environment centered upon patience, teamwork and motivation.
Maricela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Social Behavior, with a minor in History, from the University of California in Irvine, and a Master’s degree in Sociology from California State University in Fullerton.
To learn more about the YEP program, contact Maricela at (714) 564-5200.
