2024 Partners in Education
Small Business
Final Touch Construction
Fontana High School and Final Touch Construction have built a strong partnership from the ground up. Spearheaded by Luis Echeverria, owner of Final Touch Construction, the collaboration wasn't just about business; it was about investing in the community's future through education.
It all began with a shared vision of bridging the gap between traditional learning and practical application. In September 2023, this vision materialized as Final Touch Construction joined forces with Fontana High School's Woodshop CTE Pathway students for a barn restoration project at the Pepper Street Agricultural Museum. Over four days, 35 high school students worked alongside the professionals, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in carpentry and restoration while revitalizing a piece of Fontana's heritage.
Recognizing the evolving needs of Fontana High School's CTE programs, Luis embarked on a new mission to enhance the learning experiences of Fire Technology CTE Pathway students. Through a collaborative effort between Final Touch Construction, the Fontana Rotary Club, and San Bernardino County Fire, Luis was able to provide a generous donation of a retired fire engine to Fontana students in January 2024. Through this donation, students could now engage in real-world scenarios, learning essential safety protocols and understanding of the mechanics of firefighting firsthand.
The partnership between Fontana High School and Final Touch Construction, has allowed Luis’ passion for education and community service to come to life. The joint effort exemplifies Fontana’s dedication to empowering students and enriching educational opportunities.
As Luis and his team continue to invest in the future, the legacy of their partnership will help shape the lives of students for years to come.
Corporation or Government Agency
California University of Science and Medicine
Founded with a mission to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of physicians and leaders, California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) has woven itself into the fabric of the Inland Empire, becoming a source of abundant opportunity and a catalyst for change.
CUSM is deeply committed to addressing healthcare disparities. Recognizing the shortage of physicians in the Inland Empire, CUSM set out on a journey to cultivate home-grown talent. Their visionary approach, the Health Career Collaborative Program, a transformative initiative in partnership with the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD), allows CUSM doctors and medical students to serve as mentors, educators and guides, inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals. From engaging health curriculum to hands-on workshops, the program instills in students the belief that a career in healthcare can be within their reach.
From mastering blood pressure measurement techniques to exploring emergency room case studies, the Health Career Collaborative Program sessions are more than just lessons—they're steppingstones towards a brighter future. CUSM’s reach doesn’t stop at one concentrated program. Through initiatives like the Street Medicine program, which engages high school students in serving the homeless population, CUSM is nurturing not just future physicians but compassionate, community-minded individuals.
CUSM's commitment to community health extends far beyond the classroom. Staffed by compassionate students and physicians, their mission to provide vital medical services to those who need it most, offers a lifeline to families who may have otherwise gone without care. CUSM is breaking down barriers to healthcare access, one patient at a time.
Jenny Owen
Director, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For additional information, please call 909.386.2413.
601 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0020