Norco College is leading a $1 million marketing overhaul of vocational programs at 12 Inland community colleges.

A group called the Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium hired Interact, a marketing firm, to make career and technical programs more appealing to high school and college students who want to learn new skills and land high-wage jobs.

The group includes Norco College, Moreno Valley College, Riverside City College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Chaffey College, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College.

The marketing campaign includes paid advertising in social and traditional media, public relations efforts, multicultural outreach, online videos and other activities.

Students can study for careers in advanced manufacturing, information and communication technologies/digital media, health, global trade and logistics, life sciences/biotech, transportation, energy, construction and utilities.

The promotional effort is part of the state’s Strong Workforce Program, which sets aside $200 million annually to help lift low-wage workers into higher-paying jobs.