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Category: Education & Career Training

A graduate of two workforce training programs, Arandu Alvarez’s career is on track

Arandu Alvarez is part of a critical public health team that is helping to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 in the Canal neighborhood and across Marin County by providing health education, testing, and vaccination outreach.
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Stories from the front lines: Henry Velasquez, Youth Education Manager

When schools first went to remote teaching, Henry Velasquez, UP! Youth Education Manager, worked with a student who had no internet access and as a result, was completely disconnected from teachers, classes, and assignments. One year later, Henry reports that based on the persistence of the student, and with support
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Jhovanny, Workforce Development graduate builds a career in construction

Jhovanny, a Workforce Development graduate says he "advanced five years in my career by taking the three-month Construction Classes"
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Overcoming entrepreneurial obstacles during the pandemic

Nadia Montoya learned about Canal Alliance’s Construyendo Mi Negocio (“Building My Business”) class from friends. “It was the perfect place to receive support to start my own business,” Nadia remarked. She is now one year into the development of Nadia’s Dessert, a bakery offering organic, wheat-free, and vegan products with
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UP! Alumni spotlight – Melanny Lemus

Melanny said that UP! offered different activities and workshops for students to learn life lessons, which boosted her self-esteem and confidence. Melanny graduated from Sonoma State University in 2019 as a double major with a BA in Spanish and a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
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Expanding digital literacy while learning English

Since shelter in place was first issued in Marin last March, Canal Alliance’s Education team has been working diligently to address the digital divide for students in our youth and adult education programs. In August, as part of our organization-wide commitment to offering all programs remotely during the pandemic, Canal
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A friendship forged in construction class

Starting over in a new country is tough, especially without the support and camaraderie of friendship. Besides being in a wholly different place with unfamiliar food, customs, and culture, it can feel lonely without someone to share these new experiences with. Read the story of two friends who deepened their
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UP! alumni turned staff member

Cat Melgar currently works part-time as a Youth Program Assistant with our college access and success program, UP! (University Prep). Although she has been working at Canal Alliance since July 2020, she has been involved with us for over 10 years as an UP! Student and graduate.
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Gelvin’s Story: Learning a New Trade

When Gelvin learned about the Workforce Development program, he connected with Regina Vindel, Workforce Development Career Navigator. Regina helped him enroll in our Construction Certification course.
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Carlos’ Story: Working to take care of his family

Carlos Carrillo came to the United States from Guatemala at the age of 16, and has lived in Marin for six years. With a wife and a one-month-old son, his biggest priority is taking care of his family.
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October 19

Community Meeting on ICE in Marin

October 19, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Join us to learn about Marin County’s proposed NonCollaboration (Sanctuary) Ordinance. Marin County is considering a proposed Non-Collaboration (Sanctuary) Ordinance

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October 6

Shape the Future of Housing

October 6, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Your Voice Matters! Join the Housing Conversation! Come share your experiences and ideas about housing stability, affordability and belonging as

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