Career Discovery LA

K-12 STEAM education

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

In Los Angeles County, over 123,000 (12.9%) youth aged 16–24 were classified as “opportunity youth” which means that they are neither in school nor employed. In 2023, New Ways to Work, et al. also reported this classification disproportionately affects Black and Latino youth, especially in underserved areas like South LA and the San Fernando Valley. Many existing initiatives and programs focus on older youth, leaving a gap in early intervention that could prevent future disconnection and reduce the high school dropout rates.
Career Discovery LA aims to address this gap by providing a cohesive, accessible framework that introduces middle school students to diverse career paths, offers structured mentorship, and connects them with resources to pursue meaningful careers. By targeting students before they become disconnected, this program seeks to reduce the number of opportunity youth and promote equitable access to career development opportunities across Los Angeles County.

Career Discovery LA fills a critical gap in Los Angeles County’s youth career development landscape by delivering an early-intervention program specifically for middle school students. Unlike fragmented efforts that focus narrowly on job prep for high schoolers, this initiative offers a holistic, strengths-based approach to help youth uncover their passions and purpose. Through immersive career exploration, reflective self-assessments, one-on-one mentorship, and a dynamic resource network, students gain clarity about who they are and where they’re going. Career Discovery LA empowers youth, regardless of background with a multi-stakeholder case management system to include mentors, educators, parents, and counselors. We ensure each student is cared for, guided, and held accountable for their growth, transitions, and long-term success.

Career Discovery LA aims to engage up to 200 middle school students across LA County, providing early career exploration, mentorship, and access to resources. By introducing students to diverse career paths at a critical developmental stage, the program seeks to reduce the number of opportunity youth--those neither in school nor employed.

Long-term, the program envisions scaling to include high school students, adapting its curriculum to address the evolving needs of older youth and integrating advanced career preparation components as well as tools and guidance necessary to pursue fulfilling career paths, thereby contributing to the overall socioeconomic development of the region. Through collaborations with existing youth programs, educational institutions, and community organizations, Career Discovery LA aims to create a cohesive support network, minimizing service fragmentation and ensuring equitable access to career development opportunities across the county.