The Power Project: Building Paths Through Skilled Trades

Youth economic advancement

South LA East LA Central LA

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The issue is the lack of viable pathways for systems-impacted and at-promise LA County youth, especially Black and Brown individuals, due to a narrow “college-or-nothing” mindset. Schools rarely expose students to high-wage trades or free union apprenticeships, leaving many—especially foster youth or formerly incarcerated individuals—feeling unsupported and unprepared. This is compounded by trauma, poverty, and housing instability. Meanwhile, trades industries face a massive labor shortage: by 2035, an estimated 3.5 million skilled jobs will need to be filled. Without intentional investment, this generation will miss out on life-changing careers—and our communities will miss out on their talent.

TPP is a cohort-based, youth-led initiative addressing the critical lack of opportunities for systems-impacted and at-promise youth, particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, formerly incarcerated, and foster youth aged 15-26. It directly counters the narrow "college-or-nothing" success paradigm by providing viable pathways into lucrative skilled trades and the green economy.
Our program offers hands-on, stipended training in solar, clean mobility, energy efficiency, and home electrification, addressing the profound lack of practical skills and awareness of these careers. A dedicated Makerspace fosters tool literacy, teaching safe use of basic and power tools. Crucially, a robust mentorship component provides continuous, relationship-based support, especially for boys of color, building trust and purpose, with opportunities to shadow master electricians.
We provide deep case management, supporting youth and their families, assisting with union apprenticeships, trade school, or college registration, and specifically aiding foster youth lacking safety nets. Our on-site computer lab ensures tech equity for job searches and applications. Upon graduation, participants receive a certificate, tools, and boots, directly preparing them to fill the impending skilled trades workforce gap, fostering real jobs and brighter futures. They will either enroll in a trade school, apprenticeship program, or college pathway to enter the workforce prepared and supported.

As TPP succeeds, Los Angeles County will fundamentally change its approach to youth success. The stigma of vocational careers will be replaced by broad recognition of lucrative skilled trades. Thousands of at-promise and systems-impacted youth, particularly Black and Brown young men, and those from foster care or formerly incarcerated, will be equipped with vital green economy and skilled trade competencies.
This will create a skilled, diverse workforce, actively filling impending job gaps and driving LA's clean energy transition. Economic inequality will decrease, as youth secure stable, high-paying jobs, breaking cycles of poverty and reducing recidivism. These young Angelenos will also emerge as powerful climate justice advocates, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable county. Ultimately, LA County will boast a more stable, self-sufficient, and thriving youth population, redefining success for generations.