The Long Beach Economic Development Department is seeking applications from local students and young adults for the third round of its Long Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC).
This program staffs young people in various hands-on roles across City departments through paid internships. Program applications are available online through Monday, June 30.
“The Long Beach Public Service Corps opens doors for the next generation of local leaders,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By embedding college seniors and recent graduates in City Hall, we’re giving them real-world experience and a pathway into public service. With hiring preferences for program alumni through the Long Beach Jobs Promise, we’re building a pipeline of homegrown talent ready to serve their community and bring fresh ideas to local government.”
Administered by the Economic Development Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the LBPSC gives local college students and recent graduates ages 18 to 30 practical experience within City government and public service. The program aims to promote economic inclusion and advance opportunities for residents to explore potential roles and nurture promising career paths.
The chosen participants will take part in various professional development workshops focusing on significant areas of public service, such as budgeting, community engagement, crisis management, sustainability, ethics and policy. They will also receive $22 hourly for a maximum of 800 hours during the 2025–26 academic year.
Program priority will go to senior-level students at California State University, Long Beach or California State University, Dominguez Hills, those completing a career technical education program at Long Beach City College, students living in Long Beach, and those who face a barrier to employment. Additional eligibility information, including requirements, can be found on the LBPSC webpage.
“The Long Beach Public Service Corps provides youth with innovative and unique opportunities to break into the workforce and discover a future in public service,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez in a public statement. “We are developing the next generation of talent in Long Beach, and we’re incredibly excited for the promising and talented young people that the third cohort is sure to bring.”
The LBPSC is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor #CaliforniansForAII Youth Jobs Corps initiative, which engages California youth to help face community challenges. This funding also supports additional LBWIN youth employment efforts, such as the Long Beach Urban Planning and Design Internship Program. The program also received a one-time allocation of $300,000 that the Mayor and Long Beach City Council approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
The first cohort of the LBPSC, comprising 50 students, kicked off in November 2023, with the second cohort of 49 fellows beginning their roles in December 2024.
The program is a collaboration between the Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Bureau, the Long Beach Human Resources Department, and the City’s legislative offices. Department staff will facilitate case management, payroll coordination and an array of complementary wraparound services for participants to ensure their success in the program. Participants will also receive job counseling, employment placement and industry-recognized training to aid their career aspirations.
To learn more about the LBPSC, visit longbeach.gov/psc or call the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562-570-4700.
