Next-Gen News: Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Youth

Youth economic advancement

Central LA East LA South LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

Youth ages 15 and older in Los Angeles face limited access to meaningful employment, training, and civic opportunities—especially in communities historically excluded from mainstream media and economic investment. In marginalized communities like Boyle Heights, South L.A., and Koreatown, many young people are eager to contribute to their communities but lack structured pathways. Without access to paid, community-centered roles or relevant mentorship, this generation risks long-term disconnection from the workforce. Now is the time to address this gap. L.A.’s civic infrastructure is undergoing transformation, and engaging young people as co-creators in that work is not only a matter of equity—it’s essential for a representative, resilient, and informed future.

This grant will support LALNI’s youth journalism program and L.A. affiliate of the award-winning Documenters program. We will build on existing infrastructure developed through our flagship community newsroom, Boyle Heights Beat, which has trained over 300 youth on multimedia journalism, and in early 2026, expand the model to two additional community newsrooms: Koreatown, Pico-Union, Westlake and South L.A., Inglewood. Participants will also help produce community journalism, assist with multimedia projects, and engage in mentorship from professional storytellers.
Separately, through the L.A. Documenters, youth will be trained and paid to attend and report on public meetings, enhancing transparency while gaining civic knowledge and storytelling skills.
Our programs are co-designed with youth and community members, ensuring relevance and inclusivity. Many of the staff are alumni of the program and serve as peer mentors and are hired in expanded leadership roles. These programs are designed for long-term sustainability and will operate in close collaboration with local schools, community partners, and media organizations. Our alumni of the youth journalism program over the last 14 years have gone on to careers in journalism, education, law, community service, and more. Participants will gain employment experience, transferable digital skills, and professional networks that support re-entry into school, jobs, or careers in journalism, civic engagement, and beyond.

When we are successful in our expansion, more youth across Los Angeles will be engaged in paid, meaningful work rooted in community and civic life. They’ll see themselves reflected in media, contribute to local accountability, and build skills that unlock career and education opportunities. Our model ensures these youth are not only trained but empowered to lead. Over time, our network of youth-powered newsrooms and Documenters will expand across L.A., creating a more connected, informed, and civically engaged region—built from the ground up by the people who call it home.
As we expand, LALNI will continue to prioritize voices from within the communities we serve and continue to hold community listening sessions to gather input on key issues.