Youth@Work provides students with paid employment opportunities across many different industries. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles County)

On July 3, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the county’s Department of Economic Opportunity kicked off its award-winning Youth@Work program, announcing the availability of up to 10,000 paid employment opportunities for local county youth. Youth@Work connects marginalized and underserved youth ages 14-24 with 160 hours of paid work experience – often their first exposure to a job opportunity. Local employers include high-growth and emerging industry sectors such as hospitality, trade and logistics, advance manufacturing, IT, health care and the public sector – including the county of Los Angeles.

Through Youth@Work, DEO places youth participants in various public, social and private sector worksites throughout L.A. County including the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Walgreens, Antelope Valley Medical Center, L.A. LGBT Center, God’s Pantry, city of Compton and hundreds of other host employers. Since July 2023, Youth@Work has placed 6,439 youth, amounting to a total of $13.2 million in wages earned.

“Youth@Work offers young people across Los Angeles County meaningful paid work opportunities with employers across sectors,” L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, said. “This is a fantastic way to hone new skills, explore professions, and gain valuable experience that can propel young professionals into their next career. We are calling 14- to 24-year-olds across the county to sign up for one of the 10,000 internship opportunities now available.”

Recognizing the challenges faced by underserved communities, Youth@Work prioritizes youth with the greatest need, including those who are justice-involved, experiencing homelessness, have a disability, in foster care, transitional age youth, low-income, LGBTQ+, children of CalWORKs households, pregnant or parenting.

Under the mentorship of the studio’s owner and supervisor, Adams was entrusted with responsibilities that provided an opportunity to develop real-world entrepreneurial skills and offering insights that could only be gained in the workplace.

“My experience not only allowed me to pursue my passion for art but has also given me a platform to grow and develop both personally and professionally, helping me overcome hurdles and embrace a brighter future,” Adams said.

Additionally, through the program, youth can participate in unique projects facilitated by innovative local partnerships within the public sector such as the Youth@Work Summer Stars program, which placed 90 youth across 46 L.A. County libraries to assist school age children in K-6th grade in high need areas with math and literacy tutoring services during the summer break.

Youth can apply by completing the interest form at ajcc.lacounty.gov/job-seekers/population-specific-placement-services/youth-work-ages-14-24?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=.