Since 1982, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and its 501(c)(3) Foundation have closely collaborated with Torrance area schools to strengthen education, support career development, and enrich the community. In addition to initiatives such as Business for a Day and the Jr CEO program, students actively participate in local events as special guests, honoree escorts, scholarship recipients, and performers. These experiences foster a skilled workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of the South Bay area.
*The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Business for a Day
The “Business for a Day” program is an immersive program designed to acquaint students with the daily operations, challenges, and successes of various local businesses. This unique event provides students with an opportunity to visit a variety of businesses in the Torrance area, offering valuable insights into the world of work.
During the event, students tour local Torrance Chamber businesses such as Kings Hawaiian, Ganahl Lumber, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton. Each business provides a tour that allows students to see how products are made or services are rendered, allowing students to understand the different employment positions available at each site.
The goal of this program is to inspire students by providing them with real-world business experiences, helping them discover what it takes to succeed in different industries and acquire some of the skills needed to reach their goals.
Jr. CEO Program
The Jr. CEO Program is an empowering 5-week initiative designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the business world. This program offers young learners an opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, receive mentorship from experienced business leaders, and tackle real-world business challenges.
Throughout the program, students participate in interactive sessions that cover various aspects of entrepreneurship, including:
- Fundamentals for Starting Your Business
- Cost Models
- Safety and Food Prep
- Marketing and Customer Service
- Savings and Money Management
The goal of the Jr. CEO program is to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth, preparing them to become the next generation of successful business leaders and innovators. The program culminates in the annual Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Showcase event, where students will showcase their final products, demonstrating the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Questions about the Jr. CEO Program? Give us a call at (310) 540-5860.
Small Business Week Art Contest
The annual Small Business Week Art Contest is designed to engage students in promoting the significance of supporting local businesses. This contest is open to students in grades 6-12 from Torrance Unified School District, Ambassador Christian School, South Bay Christian School, and Valor Christian Academy, in celebration of Small Business Week (November 30th to December 7th, 2024).
Students are encouraged to submit hand-drawn, painted, or digitally-created artwork that embodies the spirit of Small Business Week. Their artwork may include general themes such as shopping locally, supporting small businesses, and encouraging the community to shop small. The contest awards cash prizes, with a grand prize of $150, followed by $100, $75, and $50 for first, second, and third place.
Winning artwork will be displayed in the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce office during the Small Business Week Kickoff Celebration and throughout the week. It will also be featured on the Chamber’s social media platforms, providing exposure for both the artists and the message of supporting local businesses.
This contest not only fosters creativity but also deepens students’ understanding of the critical role small businesses play in maintaining a vibrant local economy.
Our Impact
Small Business Week Art Contest
- The Chamber hosted an art contest to promote Small Business Week from November 25th to December 2nd. The contest was open to all Torrance Unified School District (TUSD), Ambassador Christian School, and South Bay Junior Academy students, grades 6-12.
Holiday Mixer
- Saxon Sports Medical Team students from North High School partnered with the Chamber to collect gifts and items for senior centers. Casimir Middle School and Ambassador Christian School students wrote notes to seniors, decorated boxes, and shared in the holiday cheer.
Black History Celebration
- The Chamber honored six high school students from Torrance Unified School District and Ambassador Christian School for their “Resilience in Education.”
Business for a Day with Shery High School
- In partnership with Shery High School, the Chamber created “Business for a Day” for the second year. This program was designed to allow students to visit businesses, see behind-the-scenes operations, and hear from influential individuals on-site. The program inspired and encouraged students to consider various fields by gaining knowledge of the skills needed to succeed.
Torrance Police Department Community Update and Awards Luncheon
- The Chamber honored Torrance Police Cadet Jason Carrillo with the John Schoen Scholarship Award.
Torrance Fire Department Community Update and Awards Luncheon
- The Chamber engaged with Torrance Elementary kindergarten and first-grade students to submit artwork and essays on why they love firefighters. A student was featured reading his essay on why he loves firefighters at the event.
Celebrate Education
- The Chamber awarded two students from Shery High School with the Dick Rossberg Scholarship Award.
Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K for Freedom Essay Contest
- The Chamber hosted an essay contest in which students from Torrance Unified School District and Ambassador Christian School, grades 9-12, were asked to reflect on their definition of the word “freedom.”
*The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.