Faith and Community Empowerment has launched its AAPI Youth@Work program as part of the organization’s AAPI Career Pathways Initiative to reach more AAPI youth.

FACE representatives were joined by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, 1st District, and representatives of the Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services on July 8 to make the announcement.

The AAPI population make up 15% of the county population, yet only 3% of the Youth@Work are AAPI students. The initiative in partnership with WDACS is aimed at addressing the gap.

Youth@Work prepares underserved youth ages 14-24 for jobs and careers. The 120-hour internship provides students with job training opportunities — depending on their interests — with one of 40 different departments in Los Angeles County or with private and nonprofit companies. Participants are paid $15 per hour. In person and virtual job opportunities are available. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with mentors and to attend leadership seminars.

Youth@Work pairs paid work experience for youth with a comprehensive and strategic set of employment, training and support services provided through the county’s network of America’s Job Centers of California.

“This past pandemic year, with over 6600 reported hate incidents against AAPI, new awareness has risen of the disparities, suffering, and racial inequities experienced by AAPI communities,” said Hyepin Im, FACE president and CEO. “Despite high educational attainment by many AAPI groups, they experience the lowest rates of being promoted to management. Our AAPI Youth@Work Initiative in partnership with L.A. County WDACS will allow a pathway for many AAPI youth to achieve their full potential. On behalf of FACE, we are thankful to partner with L.A. County to offer this excellent opportunity and also address the gap of low AAPI participation in the Youth@Work Program.”

For information, visit facela.org.