The City of Long Beach has unveiled a new strategy focused on supporting local youth who have fallen through the cracks. Officially named the Futures First initiative, this program is designed to target "opportunity youth" – those aged 16 to 24 who are neither employed nor engaged in education – offering them a range of services aimed at improving life skills, facilitating career development, and providing educational opportunities.
According to a press release on the City of Long Beach website, Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of alternative success pathways, stating, "We want to help young people co-create their destinies by offering training in life skills, career development initiatives, and educational networking opportunities." The initiative is a collaborative effort involving various city departments and the April Parker Foundation and will officially kick off with an event at FutureLB's youth employment center.
During the launch, scheduled for March 28, participants can expect to hear from youth keynote speakers and learn more about the resources and career guidance that will be available to them. Alison King, Director of Health and Human Services, underscored the significance of these efforts, stating to the source, "It is crucial that our community recognize the unique challenges faced by our youth and acknowledge the transformative impact that comprehensive support can have on their lives."
In an attempt at reaching the city's disconnected youth, which accounts for an alarming 19.5%, the Futures First program offers a multifaceted approach. Components include education and college readiness programs, social entrepreneurship training, and occupational skills in promising sectors like healthcare and technology. The Space Beach Youth Workforce Development Program is one amongst the offerings, designed to open up aerospace career opportunities. Alisa Munoz, Acting Executive Director of Pacific Gateway Workforce Development, highlighted the importance of holistic help, which includes "education, counseling, housing, community linkages, and health support," as quoted in the press release.
Long Beach city officials have a significant $3 million Opportunity Youth Grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation backing this initiative, underscoring the commitment to reconnecting youth with potential academic and professional landscapes. The city of Long Beach is esteemed not only for its vibrant tourism and diverse community but for its forward-thinking approaches to social challenges, and Futures First symbolizes its latest surge in supporting a brighter future for all its residents.
