LEARNEmpowering Teen Leaders LA
Hwarang Youth Foundation’s Teenager Leadership Program equips diverse Los Angeles youth with leadership skills through hands-on service, mentorship, and civic engagement. With LA2050 support, we will expand our impact to more underserved areas, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Support for foster and systems-impacted youth
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
South LA Central LA West LA San Gabriel Valley San Fernando Valley
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?
Teenagers, especially from immigrant and underserved communities in Los Angeles, face a lack of accessible, culturally relevant leadership development programs. Many lack mentorship, skill-building opportunities, or a safe space to grow into confident, socially aware leaders. Without intervention, these youth may miss vital opportunities to influence their communities and future careers.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Our Teenager Leadership Program provides year-round leadership training, service-learning opportunities, and civic engagement projects for youth ages 13–18. Youth participate in community volunteering, cultural diplomacy events, environmental initiatives, and workshops on public speaking, teamwork, and ethics. With LA2050’s funding, we will expand to new school districts and neighborhoods, offer transportation stipends, and host an annual youth leadership summit that brings together over 200 student leaders across Los Angeles.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If successful, this initiative will empower hundreds of teenagers with the confidence, tools, and support to lead change in their communities. We envision a diverse cohort of youth leaders who are civically engaged, college- and career-ready, and motivated to serve. Over the long term, we aim to expand chapters countywide, building a scalable youth leadership model that other cities can replicate.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 300
Indirect Impact: 2,000