Long Beach City College is seeking local nonprofits and organizations to mentor students for nine months.
Long Beach City College students interested in working in their community can apply for the new “learn-and-earn” career pathway fellowship.
Beginning in the fall, students can earn a Health Education and Promotion Certificate by completing a nine-month fellowship with a local nonprofit or community organization. The goal of the fellowship is to “prepare historically marginalized students to become community organizers and change agents in their local communities,” according to a press release from the school.
Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched this program in partnership with the California Youth Leadership Corps.
Students in the program can receive stipends up to $10,000 and a scholarship of $5,000 to pay for educational expenses while earning their certificate. They will also gain hands-on experience with the skills needed to lead and organize public health initiatives.
“This partnership will provide student fellows with the academic credentials, work-based learning experiences, skills, economic security, and support they need to succeed in college and to create change in their community,” said Rosa M. García, Executive Director of the Community Learning Partnership and California Youth Leadership Corps in a public statement.
Students must be enrolled at LBCC to apply, and be between the ages of 18-24. They will be selected and onboarded on an ongoing basis in the CYLC’s Public and Community Health Program.
The program aims to serve low-income students, students of color, Opportunity Youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, individuals impacted by the criminal legal system, and students who are eager to make a change in their communities.
“During the pandemic we saw the importance of our local community organizers and their role in educating on a grassroots level about COVID-19, and the benefits of vaccinations. This initiative with CYLC will not only provide our students with invaluable work-based learning, but will also actively engage them in comprehensive efforts that will empower them to achieve financial stability while providing an important community service,” said Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President in a public statement.
LBCC is currently looking for community-based nonprofits and social justice organizations to serve as hosts for student fellows for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. Organizations will teach students to address public health and social justice issues impacting their local communities.
Participating nonprofit organizations will receive a stipend for hosting and mentoring student fellows. Organizations interested in mentoring students should contact Veronica Rodriguez at vrodriguez@lbcc.edu by July 31.
To learn more, please visit https://communitylearningpartnership.org/course/long-beach-city-college-cylc/.
