Youth-focused Initiatives

Long Beach is investing in young people as the foundation of the city’s future. From education and workforce development to civic engagement and public safety, the City is expanding opportunities that connect youth to real pathways for success. These efforts focus on providing paid work experience, leadership development, and access to resources—ensuring that young residents are not only prepared for the future, but actively shaping it.

Long Beach Public Service Corps

The Long Beach Public Service Corps Fellowship connects local youth—particularly those from underrepresented communities—to paid fellowships within city government and partner organizations. Since 2023, the program has invested more than $1.1 million in paid fellowships, placing participants across 23 city departments and creating pathways into public service careers, with several fellows transitioning into full-time city roles. Now in its third cohort, the program includes 52 new fellows gaining hands-on experience in areas such as sustainability, emergency response, and public health. Through mentorship, job training, and real-world experience, the Public Service Corps is helping close opportunity gaps while preparing the next generation of civic leaders.

Youth Power Participatory Budgeting

Youth Power Participatory budgeting has become a cornerstone of civic innovation and youth engagement in Long Beach. First introduced by Mayor Rex Richardson during his time on the City Council, the program gives residents direct decision-making power over public funds. Today, Youth Power Participatory Budgeting builds on that foundation, empowering young people to propose and vote on projects that directly impact their communities. Recent investments have nearly doubled funding for youth-led budgeting cycles, expanding opportunities for engagement, leadership development, and community-driven solutions. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to equity, transparency, and shared governance.

Youth Day in the LBC

Launched in 2023, Youth Day in the LBC is a citywide celebration and call to action focused on empowering Long Beach’s young people. The event brings hundreds of youth together for a full day of civic engagement, career exploration, and cultural connection, with special guests like Vince Staples and Giveon helping inspire and connect with the next generation. The 2024 event, hosted at Cabrillo High School, featured workshops and interactive exhibits, along with direct engagement with city departments, educational institutions, and local employers.

Youth Day is part of a broader ecosystem of youth-focused investments, including the Long Beach Public Service Corps, Youth Participatory Budgeting, and expanded workforce pathways. Together, these initiatives are designed to give young residents a stronger voice in shaping their city while connecting them to education and career opportunities.

Expanding Youth Opportunities and Pathways

Long Beach continues to expand investments that support youth development, workforce readiness, and long-term opportunity. The City recently opened the Future LB Youth Career Services Center, creating a centralized hub for job training, career exploration, paid internships, and connections to union apprenticeship programs.

Additional investments include the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center—Long Beach’s first permanent shelter dedicated to young people experiencing homelessness—which is expected to welcome youth this spring, providing critical support and pathways to stability.

The City is also strengthening youth pipelines into public safety careers through programs like the Police Explorers and Youth Fire Corps, with participation in the Explorers program tripling over the past year.

Beyond government pathways, Long Beach is investing in the next generation through initiatives like the Long Beach Legacy Fund, which supports youth access to sports, arts, culture, and workforce development opportunities.

A Youth-Centered Future

In Long Beach, youth are central to the city’s vision for the future. From education and housing to jobs and civic engagement, initiatives like the Long Beach College Promise, Housing Promise, and Jobs Promise reflect a comprehensive approach to supporting young people at every stage of their lives.

Together, these efforts are building a more inclusive, opportunity-driven city—one where young people are not only prepared for the future, but actively shaping it.