Winning organizations for the 2026 Youth Participatory Budgeting (Youth Power Budget) initiative were announced on May 27.
A total of 1,422 local youth voted for 10 summer programs, which focus on community care, housing, health and wellness, and will be available to them for free this summer. Each organization will receive $50,000 to run its program from Measure US, a voter-approved measure that supports youth development, climate action and community investment initiatives.
This is the fourth year of the Youth Power Budget, run by The Nonprofit Partnership, the Invest in Youth Coalition, Khmer Girls in Action and the Cal State Long Beach Department of Geography.
“Participatory Budgeting is more than just casting a ballot; it is about young people taking ownership of the future of Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This year’s awarded projects reflect the deep creativity and care our youth have for their community. We are ensuring the next generation of leaders has the resources to thrive and lead our city forward.”
Youth voted from April 13-28 on which four programs, out of 15 listed options, they wanted to fund. Voting locations were set up at middle and high schools, park teen centers, public libraries, youth workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the voting period.
The 10 projects chosen by the youth are as follows:
Community Care
- The Volunteer Center — Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach (311 votes): This youth-led volunteer program will engage participants in hands-on community service projects that address local needs. Youth will build leadership skills and social connections while supporting their community through service.
- Algalita — Urban Ocean Story Lab (288 votes): This five-week program will teach youth to direct, film and edit short documentaries about their connection to the Long Beach coastline. Participants will work with scientists and film professionals while engaging in kayaking and lab activities that inform their digital storytelling. The films will premiere during a community screening.
- Creative Art Events — Thrift Flip Fashion Experience (256 votes): Youth ages 14 to 23 will explore sustainable fashion by learning to upcycle reclaimed clothing into bold new looks during this three-week summer program. The experience includes evening workshops on sewing and design and concludes with a youth-led fashion show featuring participants’ original creations.
Health and Wellness
- Devotion Fitness — Sunset Boxing & Wellness (401 votes): Designed for youth ages 12 to 26, this 12-week program will offer free boxing fitness, self-defense and hiking sessions in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants may also attend “Welcome Wellness” workshops focused on nutrition, self-care techniques and personalized fitness routines.
- Long Beach United — Summer Kick-Off Tournament (302 votes): This 10-week soccer program for youth ages 10 to 18 will include training sessions, weekly games and a culminating championship tournament. Participants can build teamwork skills and strengthen connections with coaches and peers in a fun and competitive environment.
- Arts Council for Long Beach — Healing through Color (255 votes): This eight-week creative arts program invites youth to explore painting, music and nature in a supportive space focused on self-expression and connection. Open to youth of all experience levels, participants can build community while using art to support mental well-being.
Housing
- Success in Challenges — H.Y.P.E. Housing & Youth Adjustment (265 votes): This six-week program supports transitional-aged youth ages 18 to 26 with life skills, housing education and workforce readiness. Participants can build confidence and gain the tools to navigate independent living and achieve long-term stability.
Planning for the Future
- Sowing Seeds of Change — Growing Futures: Cultivating Young Chefs (345 votes): This three-week farm-to-table program will allow youth ages 15 to 24 to learn how to grow food and prepare professional dishes alongside expert chefs. Participants can gain hands-on entrepreneurial skills to start a food business and earn a California Food Handlers Card, along with a $100 stipend.
- Youth Leadership Institute — Kaleidoscope Theater Workshop (285 votes): This community-based, youth-led program invites young people ages 14 to 24 to explore social justice themes through writing and acting. Over 12 weeks, participants will receive stipends and meals while collaborating on an original theatrical performance for the Long Beach community.
- Shared Science — R.E.A.D.Y. – Robotics Exploration and Development (256 votes): In this three-week STEM program, incoming sixth through 12th-grade students will build and program mechanical systems using VEX Robotics. Youth will participate in daily rapid-fire challenges and competitions to develop engineering skills, with experienced mentors available to support participants of all skill levels.
Those interested in participating in summer programs should contact the organizations directly. Program information and contact details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage.
Highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations and the City’s summer activities calendar are available on the City’s Summer of Opportunity webpage.
