Building a Bridge of Knowledge: Porterville College and the Tule River Tribe
An historic partnership is brewing between Porterville College and the Tule River Tribe. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by the Kern Community College District, outlining a collaborative effort to provide educational services to the tribal community and strengthen the relationship between these two entities.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared vision: to create a pathway for tribal members to advance their education and career prospects – and in the process, enhance the working population of Porterville.
The program, a joint venture between Porterville College and the Tribe, will offer a variety of courses, including restaurant management, hospitality, bar management, and other culinary arts specialties. The goal is to provide residents, both tribal members and non-tribal members, with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the various industries.
One of the most innovative aspects of the partnership is the decision to convert the Tribe’s former restaurant, “Landing 13” (located in Porterville), into a unique venue for various hospitality and culinary arts programs provided for the Porterville community. This space, once a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, will now be transformed into a state-of-the-art kitchen and bar where students can learn the skills needed to succeed in the hospitality industry.
This amazing space will be transformed into a culinary laboratory, where students can learn from experienced chefs and industry professionals. The program will also offer opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships and apprenticeships at local restaurants and hotels.
In addition to these hospitality programs, the partnership will also involve other educational initiatives. This MOU allows Porterville College to offer a variety of degree and certificate courses on the reservation, making it easier for Tribal members to access higher education. These courses would cover a wide range of subjects, including business, technology, and healthcare to name a few.
The partnership will also include outreach efforts to promote the educational opportunities available to the Tribal community. The Tribe and the College will collaborate on events such as “Launch Day”, various workshops, and information sessions to inform tribal members about the programs and services offered by PC.
This partnership is more than just an educational initiative. It is a symbol of what is possible with collaboration between two communities that have a long history of shared experiences. The partnership will strive to break down barriers and build bridges between the Tribe and the broader community.
At PC, we’re incredibly excited to bring programs to the “Landing 13” building and the Tribe. These programs will provide opportunities for growth and employment at restaurants, hotels, and casinos throughout Tulare County.
PC Interim President Primavera Monarrez stated, “This historic partnership between Porterville College and the Tule River Tribe is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of education. It is a big step towards reaching our goal of helping our community improve by providing opportunities for growth and a means by which people can achieve their dreams and do BIG things right here at home.”
