Youth ages 18 to 30 are invited to ignite their interest in public service through the second round of the Long Beach Fire Corps Program.
The program, coordinated through the Long Beach Economic Development Department’s Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center and in collaboration with the Long Beach Fire Department, offers work opportunities within the Fire Department, along with additional hands-on experience. Applications will remain open through Monday, Oct. 20.
“This program reflects the City’s commitment to investing in our youth and creating real pathways to promising careers in public service,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By opening doors within our Fire Department, we are helping young people unlock their potential, gain experience and embrace the spirit of service that defines our community.”
The Long Beach Fire Corps Program consists of paid work experience, monthly workshops and professional training, such as CPR certification and Community Emergency Response Team training, across a seven month curriculum. Interns will be assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau’s Community Services Division and contribute to communications-related work and annual marquee events like Spark of Love Toy Drive and Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
The chosen participants will receive $22 per hour for a maximum of 400 hours. Long Beach residents will be given priority for the program. More eligibility and requirement details can be found on the program’s webpage.
The inaugural cohort of the program featured 10 participants, with several providing support for residents affected by January’s Pacific Palisades Fires. Following the conclusion of the internship, one program member secured employment with the Long Beach Fire Department.
“We are committed to empowering the next generation of public servants through the Long Beach Fire Corps Program,” said Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan in a public statement. “This initiative not only provides invaluable hands-on experience but also instills the core values of dedication, teamwork, and community service that define our department. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of motivated young people ready to make a difference in Long Beach.”
To learn more about the Long Beach Fire Corps Program, contact Workforce Development Officer Eli Romero at 562-570-3762 or Eli.Romero@longbeach.gov. For additional information about youth employment services, visit longbeach.gov/youthservices.
