The Long Beach Economic Development Department is taking flight on the second annual Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp, which will run from July 14-25.
Space Beach Camp grants 45 local youth ages 16 to 24 to explore aerospace career possibilities while promoting workforce equity in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Applications for participants are open online through Monday, July 7.
The Economic Development Department is actively searching for aerospace employers and educational institutions to host program activities.
“Our young people are the future of Space Beach, and this camp provides participants with an exciting opportunity to explore career pathways in the transformative aerospace industry here in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “We are proud to partner with our aerospace and educational partners to offer this inclusive and dynamic program for young adults in our city.”
According to the Economic Development Department webpage, Space Beach Camp will offer the following experiences over the course of the two-week program:
- Interactive learning: Dive into hands-on activities and a dynamic curriculum.
- Meet the experts: Engage with engineers, entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
- Exclusive tours: Go behind the scenes at aerospace companies and top training facilities.
- Career insights: Attend panel discussions and receive mentorship.
- Networking events: Build connections through industry meet-ups and interactive workshops.
The camp operates under the direction of the Economic Development Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center and is recommended for youth who have displayed interest or potential in STEM. Participants will receive an hourly rate of $18 for approximately 50 hours and transportation assistance will also be available.
“We’re excited to launch the second Space Beach Camp, designed to ignite inspiration, provide stability and expand opportunity for our young residents of Long Beach,” said Economic Development Director Bo Martinez in a public statement. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Rex Richardson, the City Council, our incredible industry partners and dedicated LBWIN team, this program continues to grow. Together, we’re empowering the next generation and shaping the future of Long Beach’s aerospace workforce.”
Space Beach Camp is funded by a one-time allocation of $300,000 approved by Long Beach City Council for the adopted Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. These funds also support paid public service internships as part of the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program.
This program is part of the City’s Summer of Opportunity initiative which aims to uplift local youth through seasonal programming whilst addressing youth violence.
To learn more about Space Beach Camp, visit longbeach.gov/spacebeachcamp or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562-570-4700.
