Long Beach welcomes new youth employment center, Future LB

Anna Alma Lorenzano, 18, practices using the register at Coco Beach Presents while her mentor and a founder of Our Generation Cares (OGC), Shelly Guevara, watches over her shoulder on Nov. 1, 2022. Alma Lorenzano is in her third week of working at the restaurant as part of the OGC youth employment program. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

The space will prepare 14-30 year olds for the workforce through free resources.

The City of Long Beach invites the public to celebrate the opening of a new youth employment center, known as Future LB, on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The new facility, located at 508 W. Willow St., will be operated by the City’s Department of Economic Development’s Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, and funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The opening celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Mayor Rex Richardson and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga, along with vendors, food, music and community resources.

“The Future LB Youth Job Center will expand opportunities for our young people to pursue their passions, enhance their skills and secure fulfilling careers,’’ said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This new center will empower them to achieve their goals and dreams, while also enriching the economic vitality and social well-being of our city.’’

From the left, Shelly Guevara, Anna Alma Lorenzano and Erick Garcia review what is written on an order ticket before Garcia prepares the order on Nov. 1, 2022. Garcia and Alma Lorenzano are part of the Our Generation Cares youth employment program. OGC will have a space in the new Future LB youth center. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

In a public statement, the City said Future LB is a space for Long Beach youth ages 14 to 30, to connect with resources to help them plan for their future and develop the skills, knowledge and work experience needed to thrive in today’s job market. 

The center offers various free services related to workforce readiness, including on-the-job training, paid internships, career exploration resources, intensive case management and connections to employment opportunities. Youth interested in accessing these services can visit the center during regular hours on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by calling 562-570-4700 for further information.

“We are so proud to officially welcome Future LB to our community,” said Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga in a public statement. “This employment center offers the tools, resources and connections to ensure our youth and young adults enter the workforce prepared and confident.” 

The opening celebration of the Future LB Youth Job Center (508 W. Willow St.) will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.

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