Long Beach’s Economic Development and Opportunity Department has been awarded a $2.1 million state grant that will help expand paid youth employment and service opportunities, city officials announced.
These opportunities for youth will be through the Long Beach Youth Service Corps, which encompasses an array of programs that connect young people with meaningful work experience, career exploration, mentorship and civic engagement.
The grant came from the California Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, California Volunteers, according to a press release.
Long Beach Youth Service Corps brings together several paid, service-oriented youth employment programs for young people ages 16 to 30. Programs supported through this effort include the Long Beach Fire Corps Program, Urban Planning and Design Internship Program, Long Beach Public Service Corps and the Port of Long Beach High School Internship Program.
Together, these programs create structured pathways for youth and young adults to explore public service careers, build workplace skills and contribute to the Long Beach community, officials said.
The City Council last week unanimously approved accepting the funds, which will be administered through EDO’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center. The funding will bring together city departments and public agency partners to provide high-quality, mentored work experiences across different sectors – such as public safety, urban planning, civic leadership, municipal operations and goods movement, according to a press release.
The funding will help the city engage young people in comprehensive career development that comprising community-led outreach, job preparation and professional leadership development, officials said.
This initiative, scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2027, is aimed at providing substantial employment opportunities and financial assistance to local youth.
“We are grateful to California Volunteers for their partnership and continued investment in young people and public service,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This funding represents a meaningful investment in the future of Long Beach and in the next generation of leaders who will help shape it.
“These resources will help expand programs like the Long Beach Public Service Corps, creating real career pathways for local students and graduates to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and pursue careers serving their community,” Richardson added. “By continuing to invest in opportunity and service, we are building a stronger workforce and a brighter future for Long Beach.”
Youth employment opportunities are part of the city’s 2030 Strategic Vision goal of fostering a prepared and inclusive workforce, and also supporting the city’s Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint objectives of establishing accessible pathways into public sector jobs and leading industries, according to a press release.
Previous grants from the California Volunteers have supported the placement of more than 400 youth in paid work opportunities in Long Beach, officials said. Numerous program alumni have secured full-time roles with the city or regional agencies, while others have leveraged their experience to join national advisory boards, secure scholarships and pursue related graduate studies.
“We’re developing the next generation of leaders and cultivating a workforce that will shape the future of tomorrow,” Bo Martinez, director of EDO, said in a statement. “We extend our thanks to the state, our many partners and all those whose unwavering commitment is helping to create brighter futures and lasting opportunities for Long Beach youth.”
To learn more about youth employment programs and services, visit longbeach.gov/youthservices or contact the LBWIN Youth Center Services Center at 562-570-4700.