CREATEWatts Works! Tech Pathways, Building an Equitable Workforce Pipeline Through Community Anchors
This grant will fund Watts Works! Tech Pathways, a workforce program helping youth and adults in Watts public housing (90059) train for and secure tech-related jobs. Funds will support tech skills classes, certifications, laptops/software, job coaching, paid internships, supportive services (clothing, transportation, supplies, etc.) and partnerships with local employers—helping participants gain employment and thrive in LA’s tech economy.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to tech and creative industry employment
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA East LA South LA Gateway Cities
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
We see every day that young people and families in Watts have the talent and drive to succeed—but the tech industry remains out of reach. Many residents face literacy barriers—both academic and digital—that must be addressed first to access tech opportunities. Without targeted funding, we cannot provide the targeted adult literacy support, youth tutoring, and foundational digital skills needed to prepare them for industry training. Barriers like lack of mentors, basic needs, reliable Wi-Fi, and tools to collaborate remain. Watts Works! is about building trusted, intentional pathways that address these gaps—so our residents can fully participate and thrive in LA’s growing tech economy.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Watts Works! will pilot an innovative workforce model that prepares youth and adults in Watts public housing for careers in LA’s tech industry—one of the city’s fastest-growing but least equitable sectors. Through trusted community hubs, we will deliver free tech training, certifications, laptops, AI-driven coaching tools, and paid internships. We will also launch an Employer Champions Network to drive inclusive hiring practices. Designed for scalability, this model can be replicated across other LA neighborhoods to ensure that more BIPOC and low-income residents are equipped to thrive in the digital economy.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If our work is successful, Los Angeles City/County will be a place where tech career pathways are open to all—not just to those with privilege or advanced degrees. Youth and adults from Watts public housing will move from being locked out of the digital economy to becoming thriving contributors within it. Employers will build more inclusive hiring practices and relationships with Watts Work Source Center team, scaling tech job capacity of 5,000 eligible residents living in public housing. Through trusted community anchors, the project will be recognized as a valuable workforce partners. Over time, we will establish infrastructure for tech talent from 90059 and help reshape how LA invests in tech equity and economic mobility, starting in Watts and building outward.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 60
Indirect Impact: 400