City of Long Beach Launches Second Cohort of Urban Planning and Design Internship Program
The Californer/10326546

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is offering a unique opportunity for college students to gain real-world experience in urban planning, architecture, and civic engagement through its Urban Planning and Design Internship Program. The program, now in its second cohort, is a paid initiative facilitated by the City's Economic Development Department and Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, the program aims to empower young people and cultivate the next generation of leaders in urban planning and design. "Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, this innovative Program will lead to greater inclusivity in the workforce and more vibrant and sustainable communities," said Mayor Richardson.

The eight-month course offers hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship opportunities with professionals from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Participants will be placed at worksites such as the City's Community Development Department, local nonprofits, and private firms. They will also receive compensation of $22 per hour for a maximum of 500 hours.

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The Program is open to students ages 18 to 30 who are currently enrolled in a community college or university program in urban planning, architecture or related fields. Priority will be given to Long Beach residents and students from low-income or underserved communities. Interested candidates can apply online through Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.

Bo Martinez, Director of the Economic Development Department, believes that this program will not only benefit the participants but also contribute to Long Beach's growth as a hub for talent. "We're growing on the learnings and achievements of our first cohort and offering a dynamic opportunity that will help prepare students for thriving careers that will enable them to make a difference in their communities," said Martinez.

The first cohort of the program consisted of 10 participants whose work helped inform major City efforts such as the Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan. Two graduates secured full-time employment with the California Conservation Corps and Cordoba Corporation immediately after completing the internship.

The Program is in line with the City's Summer of Opportunity initiative, which focuses on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while addressing youth violence. The City's summer activities calendar and highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations are available on the City's website.

For more information about the Program, interested individuals can contact Eli Romero, Workforce Development Officer at 562.570.3762 or Eli.Romero@longbeach.gov. They can also visit the Department's website at longbeach.gov/youthservices to learn more about youth employment services.

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