562.570.3863
Chelsey.Magallon@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Economic Development Department
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (Department) has been awarded $2.6 million in grant funding from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. The funding will be used to expand the City’s nationally recognized youth employment programming and establish new career-building opportunities for local youth with a focus on those who have historically been disconnected from the workforce.
“By expanding our employment programs, we are not just creating jobs—we are opening doors to career pathways, skill development, and brighter futures for our young residents,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This funding directly supports programs like our Public Service Corps, which connects young people to meaningful work in service to their community. Through these opportunities, our youth will gain valuable experience, contribute to the public good, and help build a stronger, more resilient Long Beach.”
Approved by the Long Beach City Council with a 7 to 0 vote at its May 6, 2025, meeting, and administered through the Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the funding will support new cohorts under the Long Beach Youth Jobs Corps, including the Public Service Corps, Fire Corps, Urban Planning Internship Program and other youth-centered work experience initiatives aimed at fostering interest in high-demand public sector and civic careers.
The funding will help provide 152 young people with valuable work experience at a competitive rate of $22 per hour for up to 400 hours. This effort, set to run from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026, will significantly impact local youth by providing substantial employment opportunities and financial support.
“We’re developing the next generation of leaders and the workforce of tomorrow through opportunities that empower young people and help set them up for success,” said Economic Development Director Bo Martinez. “We would like to extend our thanks to the state, our many partners and the dedicated individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Long Beach youth every day.”
Youth employment opportunities are core to the City’s 2030 Strategic Vision goal of cultivating a prepared and inclusive workforce and support the City’s Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint objectives of creating accessible pathways into public sector jobs and priority industries. Long Beach Youth Jobs Corps programs also support the commitment of the S.T.R.O.N.G. Beach: Summer of Opportunity Initiative.
Previous grant awards from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor have supported the placement of more than 300 youth in paid work experience opportunities. Many program alumni have acquired full-time roles with the City or regional agencies, while others have leveraged their experience to join national advisory boards, secure scholarships and pursue related graduate studies. This new round of funding underscores the City’s commitment to fostering the next generation of public service leaders and enhancing workforce development opportunities within the Long Beach community.
To learn more about youth employment programs and services, people may visit the Department’s website at longbeach.gov/youthservices or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700.
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, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
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