Project Optimism Mentoring Sessions (POMS)

Community safety

Long Beach

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

BIPOC youth continue to face threats to their emotional and physical safety due to the lasting impact of the War on Drugs. Communities of color have faced disproportionately harsh penalties, leading to mass incarceration, family disruption, and community disinvestment. These historic injustices have contributed to a current crisis—rising youth substance abuse, untreated mental health issues, and a deep mistrust in systems meant to support them. Discriminatory discipline policies further compound harm by pushing students out of schools for minor behaviors, fueling the school-to-prison pipeline. Community safety must be redefined not just as protection from harm, but as the presence of supportive relationships, emotional security, and environments that promote belonging, peace, and inclusion. Understanding this issue requires acknowledging the generational trauma caused by systemic policies and the urgent need to center youth voice, healing, and equity in any solution.

POMS is a school-based program designed to promote emotional safety, inclusion, and positive identity development for 4th–8th grade students of color in Long Beach. Beginning in October 2025, POMS will operate for 32 weeks during the academic year and now includes a new 6-week summer component that supports youth diversion efforts by providing safe, structured, and enriching alternatives during out-of-school time. Students are nominated by school staff and engage in weekly group enrichment sessions and individualized success coaching, led by trained near-peer mentors who reflect their lived experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Group sessions focus on social-emotional learning, identity exploration, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. One-on-one coaching provides tailored academic, behavioral, and personal development support. This year, we are also deepening our integration of a restorative justice framework, utilizing healing circles and relationship-building practices to improve community safety both on and off campus.
Rooted in the 40 Developmental Assets framework by the Search Institute, POMS strengthens the protective factors youth need to thrive and avoid risky behaviors. Currently serving five Long Beach Unified school sites, this grant will support program expansion, advanced mentor training, and stronger school and family partnerships—ensuring youth are equipped with the tools, support systems, and confidence to grow in safe, inclusive environments.

POMS will be a successful and scalable model for advancing community safety and youth development across Los Angeles County. In the short term (October 2025–October 2026), we will strengthen implementation at five Long Beach schools, launch a new 6-week summer component, and deepen restorative justice integration in partnership with school personnel. Long term, we plan to replicate this model in additional districts by training mentors, expanding individualized success coaching, and embedding the 40 Developmental Assets framework. Our vision is a county where all youth feel emotionally safe, connected, and equipped to lead positive change.