PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development and the Department of Economic Development Workforce Development Bureau, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, in partnership with the April Parker Foundation, is launching the Futures First initiative, which offers holistic life skills, stabilization and career navigation services for opportunity youth, or youth ages 16 to 24 who are not working or in school. The launch event will take place Thursday, March 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the City’s youth employment center, FutureLB (508 W. Willow St.).

“It is important to recognize the various pathways to success,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We want to help young people co-create their destinies by offering training in life skills, career development initiatives, and educational networking opportunities.’’

The launch event will feature youth keynote speakers, guest speakers and program information about resource connection, career navigation and life skills. Youth and youth-serving organizations are both invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register using the Futures First Program Launch RSVP Form.

"It is crucial that our community recognize the unique challenges faced by our youth and acknowledge the transformative impact that comprehensive support can have on their lives,” said Alison King, Director of Health and Human Services.

A pilot version of Futures First initially began in April 2023 and supported a small group of opportunity youth. The City’s partnership with the April Parker Foundation will allow for crucial stabilization services to be offered through case management, life coaching and culturally affirming activities. Moreover, the program features a unique component – an impactful two-and-a-half-day retreat designed to equip youth with career-oriented skills and empower them with a foundation for personal growth.

Once enrolled in the program, participants will choose pathways aligned with their education and career goals, including the following:

• Education and College: credit recovery, high school completion, post-secondary education readiness and learning community enrollment
• Social Entrepreneurship: small business and technology incubator resources with training opportunities and access to startup capital
• Occupational Skills Training: short-term industry recognized training in high-growth and emerging fields primarily focusing on health care, green jobs, technology and aviation
• Space Beach Youth Workforce Development Program: work-based learning opportunities to explore and build awareness of careers in aerospace

"Our partnership with the Office of Youth Development is critical to addressing the immediate needs of Long Beach residents in areas such as education, counseling, housing, community linkages, and health support. This comprehensive approach affords them the peace of mind to work toward long-term goals, knowing that help and access is just a text message or call away. Pacific Gateway is confident that this partnership will improve the employment and well-being outcomes for Long Beach youth,” said Alisa Munoz, Acting Executive Director, Pacific Gateway Workforce Development within the Department of Economic Development.

In May 2021, the City of Long Beach received a combined $3 million Opportunity Youth Grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to launch Futures First. In Long Beach, the disconnection rate is 19.5%, which means nearly 20% of youth between the ages of 16 and 24 do not attend school or work. Futures First recognizes the urgent need for holistic intervention, using a trauma-informed approach to address the root causes of disconnection, empowering opportunity youth to navigate education and career pathways while fostering resilience. Grounded in positive youth development principles, this integrated model aims to create transformative change, ensuring all young people, particularly those facing multiple adversities, thrive in education, work and life, ultimately contributing to a safer and more prosperous community.

More information about the program is available at futuresfirstlb.com.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on Instagram, Facebook and X. More information about Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network is available at longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment.