Long Beach youth have made their voices heard and decided on community projects that should be funded through the city’s Youth Power Participatory Budgeting initiative.

The Health and Human Services Department’s Office of Youth Development, in collaboration with community partners, will award $500,000 to 10 organizations to fund the projects selected by local youth.

The Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (Youth Power PB) initiative is a citywide participatory process that provides nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the goals of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan with the opportunity to receive funding for initiatives that directly empower youth and emerging adults, according to a press release. This is the fourth year that hundreds of youth have participated in the Youth Power PB initiative.

The city was able to connect with local youth through community partners, including The Nonprofit Partnership, the Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, and Cal State Long Beach’s Department of Geography.

“Participatory Budgeting is more than just casting a ballot; it is about young people taking ownership of the future of Long Beach,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This year’s awarded projects reflect the deep creativity and care our youth have for their community. We are ensuring the next generation of leaders has the resources to thrive and lead our city forward.”

Young people throughout Long Beach voted on youth-centered programs they wanted to fund from April 13 to April 28. Voting locations were set up at middle and high schools, park teen center, public libraries, youth workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the voting period, according to a press release.

Youth were able to vote for up to four programs that would receive funding this summer. All projects on the ballot were developed and proposed by youth and youth-serving nonprofit organizations.

This year’s ballot featured 15 youth-centered projects. A total of 1,422 votes were validated, demonstrating sustained momentum in youth engagement in the participatory budgeting process, which highlights continued youth dedication to civic engagement, officials said. The 10 projects will be awarded $50,000 grants to support activities across these focus areas.

Youth prioritized programs focused on community care, housing, health and wellness, as well as future planning in alignment with the Long Beach Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.

Funding for the Youth Power PB is provided by Measure US, the city’s voter-approved funding measure that supports youth development, climate action and community investment initiatives, according to a press release.

Here are the 10 community projects that Long Beach youth selected for this year’s Youth Power PB:

– The Volunteer Center – Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach: This youth-led volunteer program engages participants in hands-on community service projects that address local needs. Youth build leadership skills and social connections while supporting their community through service.

– Algalita – Urban Ocean Story Lab: This five-week program teaches youth to direct, film and edit short documentaries about their connection to the Long Beach coastline. Participants work with scientists and film professionals while engaging in kayaking and lab activities that inform their digital storytelling. The films will premiere during a community screening.

– Creative Art Events – Thrift Flip Fashion Experience: Youth ages 14 to 23 explore sustainable fashion by learning to upcycle reclaimed clothing into bold new looks during this three-week summer program. The experience includes evening workshops on sewing and design and concludes with a youth-led fashion show featuring participants’ original creations.

– Devotion Fitness – Sunset Boxing & Wellness: Designed for youth ages 12 to 26, this 12-week program offers free boxing fitness, self-defense and hiking sessions in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants may also attend “Welcome Wellness” workshops focused on nutrition, self-care techniques and personalized fitness routines.

– Long Beach United – Summer Kick-Off Tournament: This 10-week soccer program for youth ages 10 to 18 includes training sessions, weekly games and a culminating championship tournament. Participants build teamwork skills and strengthen connections with coaches and peers in a fun and competitive environment.

– Arts Council for Long Beach – Healing through Color: This eight-week creative arts program invites youth to explore painting, music and nature in a supportive space focused on self-expression and connection. Open to youth of all experience levels, participants build community while using art to support mental well-being.

– Success in Challenges –  H.Y.P.E. Housing & Youth Adjustment: This six-week program supports transitional-aged youth ages 18 to 26 with life skills, housing education and workforce readiness. Participants build confidence and gain the tools to navigate independent living and achieve long-term stability.

– Sowing Seeds of Change – Growing Futures: Cultivating Young Chefs: This three-week farm-to-table program allows youth ages 15 to 24 to learn how to grow food and prepare professional dishes alongside expert chefs. Participants gain hands-on entrepreneurial skills to start a food business and earn a California Food Handlers Card, along with a $100 stipend.

– Youth Leadership Institute – Kaleidoscope Theater Workshop: This community-based, youth-led program invites young people ages 14 to 24 to explore social justice themes through writing and acting. Over 12 weeks, participants receive stipends and meals while collaborating on an original theatrical performance for the Long Beach community.

– Shared Science – Robotics Exploration and Development: In this three-week STEM program, incoming sixth- through 12th-grade students build and program mechanical systems using VEX Robotics. Youth participate in daily rapid-fire challenges and competitions to develop engineering skills, with experienced mentors available to support participants of all skill levels.

Long Beach youth interested in participating in these summer programs can contact the organizations directly or visit the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage to find more program information and contact details.