CREATEEmpower LA Youth Through Employment
Empower LA Youth Through Employment will connect Opportunity Youth and NEET youth ages 16–26 with career pathways through skills training, mentorship, and paid work-based learning experiences. Our initiative focuses on building confidence, capability, and community by co-designing programs with youth to ensure relevance and long-term impact. The goal is to support economic mobility while fostering a generation of empowered young leaders ready to thrive in today’s workforce.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to tech and creative industry employment
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
South LA West LA South Bay Long Beach
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Many young people in Los Angeles—especially Opportunity Youth and those not in education, employment, or training (NEET)—face significant barriers to accessing quality, living-wage jobs and career advancement. These barriers include limited access to relevant skills training, mentorship, and networks, which perpetuate income inequality and economic instability. Without targeted support and opportunities, these youth risk prolonged unemployment or underemployment, limiting their potential and contributing to broader social and economic disparities in the region.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This grant will support a comprehensive youth employment initiative that combines skills training, mentorship, and paid work-based learning to prepare Opportunity and NEET youth for sustainable careers. The program will be co-designed with youth participants to ensure it meets their needs and interests, providing personalized support to build job readiness, professional networks, and confidence. Through partnerships with local employers and community organizations, the initiative will create clear pathways to living-wage jobs and ongoing career advancement in industries with growth potential.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If successful, Los Angeles County will see significantly reduced barriers for Opportunity and NEET youth accessing quality, living-wage jobs and career advancement. These young people will gain the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to thrive, leading to increased economic mobility and decreased income inequality. Our initiative will create a replicable model that can be scaled across neighborhoods, partnering with employers and community groups to expand impact. Over time, this will build a diverse, inclusive workforce driving innovation and resilience, while empowering youth as leaders shaping LA’s economic future.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 200
Indirect Impact: 1,800