LEARNPathways to Power: Uplifting Systems-Impacted Youth Let me know if you want variations that lean more toward mental health, career readiness, or community healing.
This initiative empowers youth ages 24 and under who have experienced foster care or other systems involvement by providing comprehensive support in education, workforce development, and personal growth. Through mentorship, life skills training, and career pathway programs, we aim to reduce recidivism, promote healing, and build long-term stability. The program centers youth voices to co-create solutions that foster resilience and self-determination.
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?
Long Beach South LA West LA South Bay Gateway Cities
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?
Foster and systems-impacted youth often face significant barriers to stability and opportunity due to past trauma, inconsistent support networks, and limited access to resources. These young people are disproportionately affected by challenges such as housing insecurity, underemployment, low educational attainment, and mental health struggles. The systems meant to protect and support them frequently fall short, leading to cycles of marginalization and disconnection. Our initiative seeks to address these systemic gaps by providing youth with holistic, youth-centered support that prioritizes healing, skill-building, and long-term success.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This grant will support a comprehensive program designed to empower systems-impacted youth by providing tailored academic support, career readiness training, mental health resources, and stable housing assistance. The initiative will offer mentorship and peer support networks to build resilience and foster community connection. By integrating trauma-informed care and youth-led decision-making, the program aims to create a safe, nurturing environment that addresses immediate needs while preparing youth for long-term success and independence.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If successful, Los Angeles County will see systems-impacted youth empowered to overcome barriers and build stable, self-sufficient lives. These young people will have improved access to education, meaningful employment, and mental health support, breaking cycles of instability and isolation. The community will benefit from reduced homelessness and justice system involvement among youth, fostering a more inclusive, supportive environment where every young person has a real chance to thrive and contribute to the county’s future.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 200
Indirect Impact: 1,800