Practical Project Management Experience to advance Global Citizenship and STEAM Education

Youth economic advancement

Long Beach Central LA East LA Other

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

We support development of ideas and concepts through short projects that help to advance longer-range goals of individuals, non-profits and CBOs in our community. Our social enterprises need help in executing these projects.
First jobs are training grounds for our future leaders, but there is substantial mentoring needed to ensure that the work is completed efficiently. Work experience programs teach how to prepare a resume, dress, do an interview. The work experience is then offered for a certain number of hours and duration. The host's role is to define the work the youth will do. When the hours are done, the experience is done. This limits the kind of work assigned.
College students have a need to develop resume experience in order to find work after graduation. Existing internship opportunities, particularly international ones, are limited even as some degrees require work experience. On a resume, paid work experience is valued more than volunteer time.

This grant will support the development and first execution of two training programs which create the opportunity for paid project manager positions.
The Sister Cities of Long Beach's (SCLB) International Friendship Ambassador Certificate will prepare young adults for International Business. Students will learn diplomacy from the SCLB cities and how new SCLB cities are formed. They will support the events of the SCLB and will be assigned to one of the SCLB cities. They will attend board meetings, and will have the opportunity to support existing and agency to visualize new projects of those sister cities.
The Makerspace Ambassador Certificate will prepare college aged students for the role of Makerspace Manager where they will learn a number of skills to share and teach. Skills will be based on the equipment and Makers in our space, as well as their interests and hobbies. Makerspace Managers will complete projects, and will host training sessions for others. They will support the events of Makersville, Makersville Services and its cause champions. They will become ambassadors for the Maker Movement.
Ambassadors will learn grant management skills, and will seek grant and other funding that enables them to be paid 4-8 hours a week to manage a 3-6 month project. Ideal projects will be able to be completed in 100-150 hours and provide future value to our ecosystem.
In future years we will seek out employers wishing to invest in their future employees through our training.

Cause Champions will have the support they need to advance their causes. The SCLB will have a vibrant volunteer-driven community, earning certification and networking with city and foreign representatives. Makersville Services will grow its community of Makers and have a team to support its Maker Spaces and causes.
Certificated students will each have a 3-6 month paid experience for their resume, and the opportunity to join our ongoing community to define, find funding for and execute new paid experiences that provide additional experience. Students will have agency to create and support their own projects that enhance global citizenship and provide STEAM education opportunities.
Other sister city and makerspace organizations will have new models for for engagement of youth.
Los Angeles will have a growing community of increasingly capable young adults to create new multi-cultural experiences celebrating the Maker Movement and STEAM education.