City of Long Beach Awarded $2.6 Million in State Funding to Expand Youth Employment Opportunities
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is set to expand its youth employment programming and create new career-building opportunities for local youth thanks to a recent grant of $2.6 million from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. The funding will be used by the City's Economic Development Department to support programs aimed at providing valuable work experience and skill development for young people who have historically been disconnected from the workforce.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement about the grant, stating that it will not only create jobs but also open doors to career pathways and brighter futures for young residents. He emphasized that this funding will directly support programs like the Public Service Corps, which connects young people to meaningful work in service to their community. Through these opportunities, youth will gain valuable experience, contribute to the public good, and help build a stronger and more resilient Long Beach.

The grant was approved by the Long Beach City Council with a unanimous vote at its meeting on May 6, 2025. It will be administered through the Department's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center and will support new cohorts under the Long Beach Youth Jobs Corps. These include programs such as the Public Service Corps, Fire Corps, Urban Planning Internship Program, and other initiatives focused on fostering interest in high-demand public sector and civic careers.

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The funding will provide 152 young people with valuable work experience at a competitive rate of $22 per hour for up to 400 hours. This effort is set to run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and is expected to significantly impact local youth by providing substantial employment opportunities and financial support.

Bo Martinez, Economic Development Director for Long Beach, highlighted the importance of these opportunities in developing future leaders and preparing them for success. He extended his gratitude to the state, partners, and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Long Beach youth every day.

Youth employment opportunities are a key component of the City's 2030 Strategic Vision goal of cultivating a prepared and inclusive workforce. They also align with the City's Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint objectives of creating accessible pathways into public sector jobs and priority industries. These programs also support the commitment of the S.T.R.O.N.G. Beach: Summer of Opportunity Initiative.

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Previous grant awards from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor have already supported over 300 youth in paid work experience opportunities. Many program alumni have gone on to secure full-time roles with the City or regional agencies, while others have used their experience to join national advisory boards, receive scholarships, and pursue related graduate studies. This new round of funding further demonstrates the City's dedication to fostering the next generation of public service leaders and enhancing workforce development opportunities within the Long Beach community.

For more information about youth employment programs and services, individuals can visit the Department's website at longbeach.gov/youthservices or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700. The City encourages all eligible youth to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to gain experience, develop skills, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

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