Long Beach youth interested in careers in aerospace and space innovation have an opportunity to learn about those career pathways.

The Department of Economic Development and Opportunity has opened applications for the 2026 Space Beach Youth Career Expedition, a no-cost, six-day experience designed to help students discover career and education pathways in aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, software, mission operations and supply chain logistics, according to a press release.

Applications are available online until July 3.

“Long Beach is leading the way in aerospace and space innovation, and the Space Beach Youth Career Expedition will give our young people a firsthand look at the opportunities emerging within this dynamic sector,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “By bringing together industry leaders, educators and community partners, we are inspiring the next generation and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to succeed. Investing in our youth today strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth and ensures Long Beach remains a leader in innovation for decades to come.”

The Space Beach Expedition, administered by the department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center, will serve a small cohort of up to 25 youth ages 17 to 21 to provide more personalized career coaching, stronger peer connections and meaningful access to employees, mentors and post-secondary partners, officials said.

Activities are anticipated to take place from July 21 to 23 and July 28 to 30. Participants who successfully complete the program may qualify for an incentive of up to $1,000, according to the press release.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore Long Beach’s nationally recognized “Space Beach” economy through employer site visits, behind-the-scenes workplace experiences, hands-on activities, career panels, mentor roundtables, special presentations, networking and more. Youth will learn directly from engineers, technicians, machinists, operations staff, software professionals, recruiters and business leaders about what it takes to build, move, test and support aerospace systems, the press release said.

The Space Beach Expedition, formerly called Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp, is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s Youth Program, officials said. To participate and qualify for the incentive, youth must meet WIOA In-School Youth eligibility requirements, which include being enrolled in school and meeting low-income eligibility guidelines.

This is the third consecutive year Long Beach has offered an immersive and socially engaging aerospace career exploration program for young people. Last year, 36 youth participated, and in 2024, another 32 youth completed the program.

Economic Development and Opportunity staff will host an in-person information session for youth interested in learning more about the Space Beach Expedition from 3 to 4  p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center, 508 W. Willow St.

“Our Space Beach Youth Career Expedition is about inspiring the next generation and continuing to position Long Beach as a magnet for 21st-century talent,” EDO Director Bo Martinez said in a statement. “By introducing our youth to the region’s thriving aerospace industry, we’re helping them explore new career pathways, develop valuable skills, pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.”

For additional information about Space Beach Expedition, visit longbeach.gov/spacebeachyouth or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562-570-4700.