The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the annual Youth@Work program, offering up to 10,000 paid employment opportunities to local youth aged 14 to 24. The program connects marginalized and underserved youth with 160 hours of paid work experience in various high-growth sectors such as healthcare, information technology, hospitality, and public services. Since July 2023, Youth@Work has placed over 6,400 youth in positions across the county, generating $13.2 million in wages.

Members of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors highlighted the program's impact on providing young people with valuable skills, professional exposure, and pathways to independence. They emphasized the importance of equipping youth, especially those transitioning out of county care, with job training and mentorship opportunities to foster self-sufficiency and career success. The program's transformative experiences benefit not only the participants but also their families and communities.

Youth@Work prioritizes youth facing significant challenges, including those who are justice-involved, homeless, disabled, in foster care, or from low-income households. Testimonials from participants like Benjamin Adams illustrate the life-changing impact of the program, offering real-world skills and personal growth. The Youth@Work Summer Stars initiative, placing youth in roles such as math and literacy tutors in county libraries, exemplifies the program's innovative partnerships and community benefits.

Collaborations such as the Puente Hills Park Project led by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) demonstrate the diverse opportunities Youth@Work provides. As shown i this video, participants from local high schools gain insights into landscape architecture, design, urban planning, and ecology under professional mentorship. These experiences help young people develop professional skills, confidence, and a vision for their future careers, preparing the next generation of the workforce and enriching the community through their contributions.