Long Beach residents ages 13 to 26 have until May 4 to participate in the voting selection for the second annual Youth Power Participatory Budget process.
The process began in January, inviting youth to submit ideas for summer programming. A Youth Steering Committee has narrowed down the programs from various nonprofits to 13 selections. Through in-person voting, youth will now decide how to spend $400,000 by investing in programs that range from arts and pet care to fitness and social justice.
Voting will end on May 4 at the inaugural Youth Day in the LBC event, which will be held at Cabrillo High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will empower youth ages 13 to 26 and connect them to local resources.
Youth Day in the LBC will feature an interactive college fair, job fair and resource fair; art, music, sports, games and local entertainment; educational presentations and activities; giveaways including shirts, bottles, journals and bags; youth-led performances and showcases; and a town hall from Mayor Rex Richardson.
Long Beach youth can vote until then at the following locations during regular business hours:
- Parks, Recreation & Marine Teen Centers:
- Long Beach Public Libraries:
The programs on the Youth Participatory Budget ballot are as follows:
spcaLA Friends for Life Summer Camp
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles will provide 40 youth with scholarships, transportation and meals for one week of a Friends for Life Summer Camp. Youth will learn the basics of dog training, cat care, conflict resolution and how to develop a career with animals.
The estimated cost of this program is $25,000.
Punch to Protect. Kick to Defend.
This youth movement academy will teach self-defense tactics, martial arts practice and mindfulness through Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing. The goal of this program is to “foster personal growth, discipline, and community spirit to empower and protect our youth through situational awareness.” Areas of focus will be punches, kicks, knees, elbows and defensive tactics.
The estimated cost of this program is $42,700.
I Matter 2 Summer Youth Program
This program will provide nine weeks of mentorship, workshops, activities and field trips in one of four entrepreneurial fields: makeup artistry, fashion/modeling, photography/videography and jewelry crafting/T-shirt or hat-making/button-making. The program will culminate in a professional photo shoot, a Nike shoe-making field trip and a showcase including a fashion show and makers fair for youth to present their finished projects.
This program is only for youth ages 13 to 21, and will be held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 24 to Aug. 23.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Summer Full of Art Program
Youth ages 8 through 13 can receive a safe and supportive environment for people of all abilities while learning painting, drawing, vision board-creating, clay making and photography. The program will also teach awareness, acceptance, community building and effective life skills, encouraging youth to find a new passion or use the tools they learn as art therapy.
This program also includes free admission to local museums and will culminate in a showcase exhibit where friends and family can support the participants.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Sunset Boxing and Wellness
Nonprofit Devotion Fitness will offer 12 weeks of outdoor boxing, sound baths and picnic-paint & skate nights. This program aims to provide an inclusive space to exercise and create community among LGBTQ+, POC and women. All classes are beginner-friendly and for ages 18 and over, though youth ages 13 through 17 can participate by completing a parental consent form.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Artful Resistance and Break the School-to-Prison Cycle
Through immersive workshops, participants can delve into the realms of art and poetry, sparking their creativity and magnifying their voices. The program will provide guided visualizations, poetry performances and collaborative mural projects in partnership with West Coast Credible Messengers. The goal of this program is to dismantle systemic barriers and reclaim the narrative against the school-to-prison pipeline, forging a brighter path for Long Beach.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
C.E.O. CoLabs – Cultivating Entrepreneurial Outcomes
This program will offer a free summer membership for youth ages 14 to 24, equipping them with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to transform their bold ideas into successful businesses. Inspired by entrepreneurs like Snoop Dogg, Michael Dell and Steve Jobs, the program will strive to nurture leaders through wellness practices and collective empowerment to turn Long Beach youth into the next generation of leaders.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Swag and Grace: Youth Workforce Etiquette
This program is meant to bridge the gap between what schools teach youth and what they actually need to succeed in the real world. Participants can learn skills of dining etiquette, making connections with people, managing money, speaking confidently and more. The goal of this program is to help youth learn how to land the job they want, lead with confidence and manage their finances.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
EmpowerED: Life Skills for Success:
This ultimate crash course in adulting will cover a wide range of life skills, from setting boundaries to handling finances. Youth can learn from real-life scenarios, get expert mentorship from field professionals and receive a sewing kit, tool kit, first aid kit, meal prep items and a small herb garden box.
Sessions will cover how to manage your laundry, grocery shopping on a budget, upgrading kitchen skills, managing finances, job searching tips, basic home repairs, safe driving tips, managing your social media presence, setting boundaries, natural disaster responses and how to volunteer in your community.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
YEAH! – Youth Education and Adjustment Housing
Through a six-week program, youth can learn about stable housing, community support and life skills, with a holistic approach on the needs of homeless transitional-aged youth. Workshops will include financial literacy with topics such as credit scores and budgeting. The program ends with a graduation, stipend and certificates.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Summer Strolls
Youth ages 16 through 19 can discover their neighborhood while expressing their inner creativity. These weekly strolls will allow youth to discover hidden gems and dive into the world of urban design while enjoying informative sessions with local experts, snapping pics, creating maps and unleashing their creativity through street art and digital designs.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Car and Driver 101: Drive Smart, Own Responsibly
Local nonprofit Our Generation Cares is teaming up with MotorTrend Magazine and the OGC Formula Prix Cup to teach safe driving and how to master life’s roads with wisdom and responsibility. The program will provide interactive lessons and exciting field trips, teaching driving skills with a focus on a sense of control and independence. The Car and Driver 101 program aims to transform beginners into skilled drivers, potentially even Gran Turismo SIM racing pros.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
Career CruiserLB – Youth Transport
Youth can get a step up in the workforce by participating in this weekly program full of career workshops, job fairs, hiring events, networking opportunities and more. Participants will receive free weekly reliable transport to attend weekly Career Workshops, where they will learn how to write a resume, explore career paths such as STEM opportunities, take part in mock interviews, gain knowledge on tools and hiring technology, review job boards and build the confidence needed to take the next step in their career.
The estimated cost of this program is $50,000.
View the sample ballot and read more information about the programs at investinyouthlb.org/.
