Youth Energized for LA Green Careers

Youth economic advancement

South LA South Bay County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

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

The green and blue economy is rapidly growing and Los Angeles climate initiatives are creating thousands of “high road” jobs in clean energy, transportation, infrastructure, climate resilience and more. The upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, coupled with the need to rebuild following the LA Wildfires have created opportunities for sustainable development. Studies by LinkedIn have identified a “green skills gap”, indicating that our workforce is not keeping up with marketplace needs. Youth from underrepresented communities face significant barriers in accessing quality, paid internships. They have fewer role models and less exposure to a variety of career pathways. The LA green economy presents opportunities for LA youth to establish career pathways that train people for quality jobs while addressing climate solutions. This fellowship provides career development, mentorship and investment that engages youth in one of the most important job transitions of our time.

This project addresses critical gaps in awareness, access and skill development by expanding a successful green career pathways program that started in January of 2025. Youth from the first cycle of the program expressed excitement about being able to incorporate climate solutions into their careers of personal interest. The LA 2050 grant would enable Creative Life Mapping, in partnership with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board to offer more paid opportunities and mentoring support to underrepresented high school and college students through expanded recruitment in the South LA communities of Inglewood, Gardena, Lawndale, Carson, Hawthorne, Lennox, Lomita and LA. Program elements include: career education and research, mentorship and networking that link individuals to jobs in renewable energy; green buildings; sustainable food and agriculture; land and ocean conservation; sustainable industry; healthy communities; education, policy and advocacy. Fellows learn about climate solutions, prepare green career narratives and are linked to additional opportunities. This enables them to grow professionally, build transferable job skills and prepare career plans. Their work contributes to a body of knowledge about opportunities that is presented to wider audiences through published career profiles. The result is youth who are energized, motivated and prepared to pursue jobs aligned with their values, while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable Los Angeles community.

As a result of this project, Los Angeles will see a more diverse, prepared, and empowered generation of young people entering the green workforce. Hundreds of young people from underrepresented communities will gain exposure to climate careers through paid opportunities, mentorship, and targeted outreach. A growing network of youth leaders will serve as green career ambassadors, inspiring peers and communities. Counselors and educators will gain tools to guide students into green pathways. Expanded partnerships with workforce boards, American Job Centers, CTE programs and employers will support long-term scaling. Registration as a pre-apprenticeship program will enable more youth to access high-road jobs. Web tools, social media, and newsletters will connect youth to green employers and internships. This growing pipeline of skilled youth will help meet LA’s climate goals, close green workforce gaps, and advance environmental justice—starting in the communities that need it most.