Netwatch Group, based in Lake Forest, Calif., announced a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC Central OC) to support mentorship and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the security industry. 

Netwatch Group will help the youth organization through initiatives and programs designed to empower and inspire young people to reach their full potential. The company will engage with BGC Central OC’s locations in Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange and Santa Ana to support ongoing workforce development programming and provide awareness of training, education and employment opportunities. 

Netwatch and National Monitoring Center (NMC) employees will also have the opportunity to share their professional experiences and volunteer at local Clubhouses. 

Through BGC Central OC’s Workforce Development program, students develop in-depth understanding of specific careers that excite them, such as security, healthcare, hospitality, construction, technology and other STEM-related fields. The program is designed in partnership with local industry experts like Netwatch to deliver targeted information that puts students on a path for a livable wage and to overcome inequitable barriers. 

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“We are thrilled to be able to expand the Club’s reach and impact with corporate partnerships like Netwatch Group,” said Robert Santana, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. “Our two organizations are excited to support our youth through mentorship, education, and future employment opportunities. No matter what background, socio-economic status or obstacle, every student we serve deserves access to first-class mentoring to help them graduate from high school with knowledge about career paths here in Orange County and beyond.”    

The program will benefit not only students, but the local economy as well. As seen through recovery efforts from the pandemic, there is a clear need for steady workforce resources and access to job-seekers. According to findings in the Orange County Business Council’s 2021 Workforce Indicators Report, the Club’s focus areas include some of the top emerging technology industries in Orange County such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). 

“Building awareness of the value of cultivating a career in security is a critical focus for Netwatch, and we are committed to making a positive impact through mentoring, employment opportunities, training and strategic collaborations,” said Kurt Takahashi, CEO of Netwatch Group. “Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club will help us promote the value of a career in the security industry in a meaningful way and empower youth in our community.”

The company further explains its workforce development programming and partnership with BGC Central OC in this video.