The San Mateo County Event Center is proud to welcome back Fortitude Careers for its Fall 2025 session, running October 20 through December 12. This marks the third year that Fortitude has partnered with the Event Center to host its transformative Build Program, an eight-week training designed to prepare opportunity youth for sustainable careers in the construction trades.
Founded in Redwood City, Fortitude Careers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping young adults, many of whom faced challenges in traditional education settings, with the technical skills and personal development tools needed to thrive in the workforce. The program combines hands-on construction training with “Life Mastery” education, covering essential topics such as communication, financial literacy, professional responsibility, and teamwork, so they can confidently enter and thrive in the workforce.
The partnership between Fortitude and the San Mateo County Event Center began in Spring 2022, during a pivotal moment for the nonprofit. Just as Fortitude was ready to launch its in-person training, it lacked a suitable space to host the program. After a single day of outreach, a connection through County Executive Mike Callagy led to Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center, who offered space for the classes within minutes. What could have been a tent on a vacant lot became a professional and supportive training environment that has since changed countless lives.
“Supporting programs that strengthen our community and provide pathways to success is at the heart of our mission,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center. “We are honored to host Fortitude Careers and to see the real impact their program has had on young adults in our county.”
Since establishing its home at the Event Center, Fortitude Careers has served more than 75 students, empowering them to transition from uncertainty to stability. Graduates have gone on to secure jobs with competitive pay, benefits, and growth opportunities in the construction industry, helping meet the region’s increasing demand for skilled labor.
“Fortitude is proof that when opportunity meets preparation, transformation happens. This can only be made possible with partnerships like what we have with the San Mateo County Event Center. Their willingness to host our cohorts has made our work possible. I can say with certainty we would not be where we are today without their help! We are so grateful!” said Nicole Davis, Founder/Executive Director at Fortitude Careers.
Through partnerships like this, the San Mateo County Event Center continues to serve as more than just a venue, it’s a cornerstone of community progress, supporting initiatives that foster growth, education, and opportunity across San Mateo County.
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About Fortitude Careers
Fortitude Careers is a Redwood City–based nonprofit dedicated to preparing opportunity youth for sustainable careers in the construction trades. Through its 8-week Build program, participants gain both technical training and personal development skills, empowering them to build stable, successful futures. Learn more at fortitudecareers.org.
About San Mateo County Event Center
The San Mateo County Event Center is a premier, multi-functional venue serving the greater Bay Area, it is also a designated emergency management site committed to the safety and well-being of the San Mateo community. With its extensive convention and conference facilities, it hosts a diverse array of events, from conventions and community gatherings, to large festivals and the annual Fair, contributing to the region’s economic vitality and well-being. As part of the San Mateo County Fairgrounds, the Event Center is deeply committed to supporting programs that uplift the community and strengthen economic and social well-being throughout the region.
San Mateo County Event Center is a proud member of the California Emergency Resiliency and Response Venues and Fairgrounds.
The California Emergency Response and Resiliency Venues and Fairgrounds (CERRVF) comprises leading fairgrounds and venues in our state. Across California, our venues and fairgrounds play a critical role in leading emergency and disaster response operations when our communities need it the most.
