County wins 2025 EPIC Award for inspiring tomorrow’s workforce

Liz Smith is smiling and wearing a dark olive-green coat over a black shirt and is proudly holding an award against a step and repeat banner displaying the word "CAPIO."

Liz Smith, San Bernardino County’s Marketing and Events Manager, receives CAPIO’s 2025 EPIC award for the Take Your Child to Work Day event.

An overhead view of San Bernardino County’s Take Your Child to Work Day event shows a vibrant crowd of parents and children navigating the entrance of the Government Center filled with decorated interactive booths from various County departments. Staff in uniform talk with attendees, while children receive materials and participate in activities.

2024 Take Your Child to Work Day event.

“The Board Experience” at the 2024 Take Your Child to Work Day event.

San Bernardino County has been honored with a prestigious 2025 EPIC award from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) for its annual Take Your Child to Work Day event. The EPIC award recognizes excellence in public sector communications and celebrates efforts that engage, inform and inspire our communities.

While the county has long observed this national initiative by welcoming employees’ children into the workplace, county leadership saw an opportunity to elevate the event and spark a passion for public service in future generations. Launched in its expanded format in 2022, Take Your Child to Work Day is held each spring at the San Bernardino County Government Center and has grown into a signature event that brings together hundreds of county families to explore the world of public service. In 2024, nearly 1,800 children and teens joined their parents, grandparents and guardians for a day filled with career discovery and interactive experiences hosted by nearly all of the county’s 42 departments.

Through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and even a mock Board of Supervisors meeting known as The Board Experience, young attendees gain a firsthand look at the impactful work county employees do every day—from animal care to public safety, engineering, health services and more.

“Receiving this EPIC award highlights the county’s strong commitment to developing the talent and potential of tomorrow’s workforce,” said San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke. “This event not only inspires our youth to explore meaningful careers in public service right here at home but also reinforces the pride our employees take in serving their communities.”

By expanding Take Your Child to Work Day beyond traditional office visits into a countywide educational experience that provides meaningful exposure to career pathways, the county reinforces its Countywide Vision goal to support each child from Cradle-to-Career.

Additional County Update News – April 17, 2025