Pathways to Purpose for LA Youth

Youth economic advancement

South Bay

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

In San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City—areas with a Community Disadvantage Index of 9 or 10—Opportunity Youth and NEET Youth (ages 16–26) face persistent barriers to education, employment, and long-term stability. Over 87% of youth served by BGCLAH live at or below the poverty line, and many lack access to career guidance, mental health support, or safe environments to build skills. Without intervention, these youth remain disconnected and at risk of chronic underemployment. The urgency is growing post-pandemic, especially for youth of color and those impacted by poverty or justice involvement. As one 19-year-old shared, “I didn’t know how to find a job or finish school. Career Bound gave me a future.” Now is the time to scale proven, youth-powered solutions that provide paid work experience, mentorship, and support systems that lead to living-wage careers and lifelong economic mobility.

This grant will support the expansion of BGCLAH’s Youth Economic Advancement initiative, a comprehensive program designed to re-engage Opportunity Youth and NEET Youth (ages 16–26) in San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City—communities with a CDI of 9 or 10. Through a trauma-informed and youth-powered model, the initiative connects young people to meaningful pathways that lead to living-wage careers and economic mobility.
Rooted in BGCLAH’s Career Bound and Workforce Development Center programs, the initiative offers an integrated series of supports: career readiness training, resume and interview preparation, financial literacy, mentorship, paid internships, employer site visits, and direct job placement. Youth also have access to industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields such as digital media, healthcare, and skilled trades. Each participant is paired with a dedicated case manager who provides wraparound support to address housing insecurity, mental health needs, and transportation barriers.
What sets this initiative apart is its co-designed structure and deep integration in the communities we serve. Youth actively shape program curricula, lead peer-to-peer workshops, and serve on advisory boards. We partner with over 30 employers, colleges, and unions to align training with workforce needs. By embedding STEAM pathways, life skills, and postsecondary planning into one cohesive system, BGCLAH empowers disconnected youth with the tools—and confidence—to thrive.

This initiative will reduce systemic disconnection in LA County by equipping an additional 200+ marginalized youth with paid experience, career skills, and a network of adult allies by October 2026. Our short-term goal is to double internship access, expand trauma-informed case management, and increase youth co-leadership. Participants will gain paid experience, certifications, and long-term support—empowering them to break cycles of poverty. Long-term, we will scale this equity-driven model across our 25 sites and align with County-wide workforce systems to replicate best practices. A more just LA County begins when disconnected youth - especially those of color - are no longer left behind, but are co-creators of a future built on inclusion, purpose, and opportunity. Our vision is a future where every young person in LA - regardless of background - has a path to meaningful work, stability, and self-determined success.