The county of Los Angeles has launched its summer Youth@Work program, a regional initiative to prepare youth ages 14-24 for careers.

Los Angeles County leaders have announced a regional goal to hire 25,000 youth and emphasized efforts underway to create job and career opportunities for youth, including youth in the juvenile justice system and others with barriers to employment.

“Youth@Work brings together the county, employers, community organizations and other partners to prepare the future workforce in our region,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, 1st District. “As a former Secretary of Labor, I know how important it is to provide employment and career opportunities for all youth, no matter their background or history. This year, Youth@Work is focusing on providing career pathways for justice-involved youth and other youth facing employment obstacles. Everyone deserves a chance to re-write their story. Now, we’re coming together to help justice-involved youth re-write theirs.”

Youth@Work pairs paid work experience with training and support services provided through America’s Job Centers of California. The program targets populations of youth with the highest need, including those experiencing homelessness, foster youth and CalWORKS recipients.

This year, the county launched the CORE program to support and develop more career pathways for youth in the juvenile justice system. CORE was also created with private employers to address stigmas of hiring those who are justice-involved.

“We are grateful to the leadership of the Board of Supervisors and to our many partners in the public and private sectors, which allow us to invest in the lives of thousands of young people so they gain skills that will lead to future careers,” said Otto Solorzano, acting director of Los Angeles County Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services.

For information and programs, visit workforce.lacounty.gov.