Long Beach: City Opens Applications for Space Beach Youth Career Expedition
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Long Beach, CA ~ The City of Long Beach is offering a unique opportunity for eligible youth to explore career and education pathways in the aerospace industry through the 2026 Space Beach Youth Career Expedition. This six-day program, organized by the City's Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), aims to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in this dynamic sector.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement about the program, stating that Long Beach is at the forefront of aerospace and space innovation. He believes that by bringing together industry leaders, educators, and community partners, they can inspire the next generation and strengthen the city's workforce for years to come.

Administered by the EDO's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the Space Beach Expedition will serve a small cohort of up to 25 youth between the ages of 17 and 21. This smaller group size allows for more personalized career coaching, stronger peer connections, and meaningful access to employers, mentors, and post-secondary partners. The program will take place on July 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, and 30th. Participants who successfully complete the program may qualify for an incentive of up to $1,000.

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During these six days, participants will have a chance to explore Long Beach's thriving aerospace economy through employer site visits, behind-the-scenes workplace experiences, hands-on activities, career panels, mentor roundtables, special presentations, networking opportunities and more. They will have direct access to professionals in various roles within the industry such as engineers, technicians, machinists, operations staff members,and software professionals who will share their knowledge about building,moving,testingsupporting aerospace systems.

Funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program,the Space Beach Expedition is open to youth who meet WIOA In-School Youth eligibility requirements. This includes being enrolled in school and meeting low-income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, candidates must be facing at least one eligible barrier to employment or education, such as being an English language learner, justice-involved, experiencing homelessness, currently or formerly in foster care, pregnant or parenting, an individual with a disability, or needing additional assistance to complete an educational program or secure employment.

To provide more information about the program and its eligibility requirements, EDO staff will be hosting two in-person information sessions at the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center on June 25th and July 1st. Interested youth are encouraged to attend these sessions to learn more about the Space Beach Expedition.

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The City is also inviting aerospace employers, advanced manufacturers, education partners,and training providers to participate in the Space Beach Expedition by hosting site visits, providing guest speakers, offering mentor roundtables, leading hands-on demonstrations,and reviewing resumes. This is an excellent opportunity for employers to engage with potential future employees and showcase their industry's opportunities and advancements. Interested employers can contact Jennifer Angeles Weyh from EDO for more information.

EDO Director Bo Martinez believes that this program will not only inspire the next generation but also position Long Beach as a magnet for 21st-century talent. He hopes that by introducing youth to the region's thriving aerospace industry,the city can help them explore new career pathways,pursue their dreams,and build a brighter future.

This is the third consecutive year that EDO has offered this immersive and socially engaging aerospace career exploration program for young people. In 2025 and 2024 respectively,36 and 32 youth successfully completed the Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp. For those interested in learning more about the Space Beach Expedition,you can visit LongBeach.gov/SpaceBeachYouth or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700 for additional information.

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