Internships, financial literacy & career pathways

Youth economic advancement

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

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In Los Angeles County, too many youth are being left behind after high school. While 82.4% graduate, nearly 41% feel unprepared to choose a career or major. Over 68,500 young people aged 16–24 are neither working nor in school. Many, like myself, followed the “right” path—graduated, enrolled in college—only to discover we lacked basic life skills: budgeting, job readiness, and career direction. Without these tools, youth fall into cycles of underemployment, burnout, or worse. LA County’s income inequality is among the highest in the nation, contributing to a crime rate nearly 30% above the national average. Nearly half of the jail population is aged 18–24. These aren’t just numbers—they’re signs of a system failing to prepare youth for life after school. This is a critical moment to address the gap before it grows wider.

At Money Intellect, we know what it feels like to graduate and still feel completely unprepared for life. Many of us have lived that experience—which is why we’re deeply committed to changing it for the next generation. Our programs meet youth where they are, helping them gain not just job skills, but confidence, direction, and purpose.


Our paid 6-month internship program supports high school graduates enrolled in college or vocational programs by pairing them with experienced mentors—including our Executive Director. Interns receive leadership training through hands-on work, attending meetings, planning events, and serving their communities. They also receive transportation, meals, clothing, and other support—because no one should miss an opportunity due to financial barriers.


Our Career Building Program offers one-on-one help with résumés, interviews, career exploration, and job placement in fields students care about. Every intern and student also joins weekly financial education sessions and receives one-on-one coaching to learn how to budget, invest, and build wealth.


Beyond our core programs, we offer free online financial education to low-income residents across L.A. County—because financial freedom should be for everyone.


We’re not just building careers. We’re helping young people believe in their future—and giving them the tools to reach it

At Money Intellect, we envision a Career & Leadership Center—a safe, welcoming hub where low-income youth can access college, trade, and career resources, get help with applications, résumés, and receive tangible support like food, clothing, and care packages. Our on-site counselors will walk with students step-by-step, building confidence and helping them turn dreams into action. The center will also offer financial literacy courses, study areas, computers, and a space to relax and connect with peers after school. This center will expand our reach to the 41% of students who feel unprepared to choose a career, helping them build futures they believe in. We also aim to grow our free online financial course catalog from 25 to 100+ programs, empowering low-income residents across L.A. County with the knowledge to take control of their financial lives. This vision is bold—but necessary. Too many are falling through the cracks. We’re here to help them rise.