Your Path to Leadership, Networking & Impact
Are you a driven young professional between the age of 21 and 40, looking to make meaningful connections, enhance your leadership skills, and create lasting impact in the Bakersfield community? The Greater Bakersfield Chamber’s Young Professionals (BYP) Crews are the perfect place for you!
Bakersfield Young Professionals
The Bakersfield Young Professionals (BYP) program is committed to cultivating the next generation of business, civic, and community leaders in Bakersfield. Our mission is to elevate and support Bakersfield’s Young Professionals (YPs) as they emerge as influential leaders, while our vision focuses on fostering a vibrant community that drives the city’s economic, governmental, and neighborhood growth.
As we prepare for BYP’s 2025 relaunch, our goal is to inject new energy and innovation into the program while maintaining our core values of leadership development, networking, and community involvement. This relaunch is designed to reignite enthusiasm among YPs by revamping our structure, enhancing community engagement, and delivering greater value to our members. By focusing on our foundational principles and expanding our impact, the 2025 BYP program aims to ensure that Bakersfield’s Young Professionals remain connected, inspired, and positioned to lead the city’s continued growth and development.
Crews: Where Impact Happens
BYP Crews are specialized teams that work together on targeted initiatives designed to drive professional growth, community impact, and Chamber goals. Choose from the following Crews:
- Service Crew: Drive positive change through local volunteerism, community outreach, and civic engagement.
- Shape Crew: Is our leadership development team focused on personal and professional growth with workshops, speaker events, and mentorship programs.
- Socialize Crew: Plans and hosts social and professional networking events, connecting young professionals to each other and the wider business community.
Each Crew offers a chance to lead, collaborate, and make a tangible difference, all while growing your network.
Why Join?
By becoming part of the Bakersfield Young Professionals, you gain exclusive access to:
Mentorship from experienced professionals and business leaders within the Chamber.
Opportunities for career advancement through networking and professional development.
Invitations to Chamber events, mixers, and exclusive YP gatherings.
A platform to give back to the Bakersfield community through service projects and collaborations.
Eligiblity
Membership is open to individuals aged 21 to 40 who live or work in Kern County. BYP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.
- Application Process: Prospective members must complete a membership application that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision. The Chamber staff will review applications and approve them.
- Dues: The Chamber staff shall set membership dues, which shall be reviewed annually. As of 2025, the annual commitment is $50, with a commitment to obtain at least one sponsorship throughout the year. Financial assistance may be available to ensure equitable access to membership for all professionals.
- Membership Rights: BYP members in good standing are entitled to vote on BYP organizational matters, participate in Chamber events, and receive Chamber member benefits. Active participation in BYP initiatives is encouraged to reflect the organization’s core values of leadership, growth, and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
BYP is now a formal dues-paying program approved by the Chamber. Membership ensures the program is sustainable and gives you access to exclusive opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community engagement.
- Annual membership: $50*
*If you’re facing financial hardship, don’t worry, we can work with each of you to ensure you get access to our network.
- Yes. To be recognized as part of BYP, members must have a stake in contributing to the success of the council’s mission.
- BYP operates as its own program within the Chamber.
BYP membership is individual-based, while most Chamber memberships are organization-based.
This means:
BYP members pay their own dues and fulfill their own sponsorship commitment.
Chamber memberships cover an entire company or organization, giving all employees access to Chamber benefits.
Entrepreneurs may join the Chamber as individuals under a separate Entrepreneur Membership category.
Unique to BYP:
The $50 administrative fee is waived, bringing the total BYP commitment to $250 ($50 dues + $200 sponsorship).
BYP members gain full access to Chamber benefits, but remain listed in the Chamber directory as individuals, not businesses.
The $200 sponsorship is a BYP-only requirement that helps fund BYP programs and events.
All BYP members agree to:
- Pay annual dues ($50) – Supports program operations and ensures sustainability.
- Fulfill a $200 sponsorship commitment – Each member helps secure at least $200 annually to support BYP programs. This can be done by:
- Covering the $200 yourself
- Asking your employer to contribute
- Connecting BYP with potential sponsors
This commitment ensures every member has “sweat equity” in the organization and supports leadership programs, networking opportunities, and community impact initiatives.
No. While we encourage every member to join a Crew for deeper engagement and leadership opportunities, participation is not mandatory. You can choose to get involved solely through meetings, networking events, and larger programs if that best fits your schedule.
BYP is designed to be flexible for busy professionals. On average, most members dedicate 2–4 hours per month, depending on their level of involvement. This may include:
Attending monthly or quarterly BYP events
Optional Crew participation (usually 1 meeting/month)
Volunteering at community or Chamber events (as your schedule allows)
There’s no minimum attendance requirement — the value you get out of BYP comes from the connections and opportunities you choose to pursue.
Yes. BYP is meant to fit around your career and personal life. Some members dive into leadership roles, while others participate primarily through events and networking. Both approaches are welcome and valuable.
- Full Greater Bakersfield Chamber membership benefits
- Exclusive BYP events
- Access to BYP Crews for professional and community engagement
- Networking, leadership, and visibility opportunities
Yes! Many companies cover memberships or sponsorships as part of professional development. BYP provides email templates to make this process easy.
The sponsorship commitment applies to all BYP members and is critical for supporting BYP’s programs and operations. The $200 sponsorship is due by the end of the membership year.
Funds help:
- Leadership programs
- Networking opportunities
- Community impact initiatives
- General program operations
Don’t worry, BYP provides tools and staff support. Most members fulfill their commitment through employer contributions or connections they already have.
The 2025 membership drive launches Friday, Sept. 5 and runs through Friday, Oct. 31, with a grace period through the end of the year.
Fill out the form below and complete your payment. For more information, contact Joel Paramo, BYP Chairman, at jparamo@bakochamber.com.
2025 Bakersfield Young Professional Sign Up
Please complete this form if you'd like to join BYP or support us! BYP members can join as a general member or as one of three specialized crews, each with a unique focus. These crews ensure that every member finds a place where their skills and interests can contribute to personal growth and the larger mission of BYP. Those three crews are as follows, Service, Shape, and Socialize.
Interested in learning more?
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber’s Young Professionals Council and Crews offer an unmatched opportunity to grow your career, expand your network, and contribute to the vibrant Bakersfield community. Together, we’re building the future leaders of our city—don’t miss out!
For more information, contact Joel Paramo, BYP Chairman, at jparamo@bakochamber.com.