The City of Long Beach is inviting youth ages 17-21 to apply for the 2026 Space Beach Youth Career Expedition, a six-day experience aiming to help students discover pathways in aerospace.
Applications are open and available online until Friday, July 3 for this free educational and career program. Up to 25 youth cohorts will receive personalized career coaching and access to employers, mentors and post-secondary partners. The program is anticipated to take place July 21-23 and 28-30. Participants who complete the program may qualify for an incentive of up to $1,000.
Pathways youth can explore include:
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Advanced manufacturing
- Engineering
- Robotics
- Software
- Mission operations
- Supply chain logistics
The Space Beach Expedition, formerly called Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp, is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. The program is administered by the Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) Department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center.
“Long Beach is leading the way in aerospace and space innovation, and the Space Beach Youth Career Expedition will give our young people a firsthand look at the opportunities emerging within this dynamic sector,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By bringing together industry leaders, educators and community partners, we are inspiring the next generation and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to succeed. Investing in our youth today strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth and ensures Long Beach remains a leader in innovation for decades to come.”
This is the third consecutive year that EDO has offered an immersive and socially engaging aerospace career exploration program for young people. Last year, 36 youth participated in the Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp, and in 2024, another 32 youth completed the program.
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in employer site visits, behind-the-scenes workplace experiences, hands-on activities, career panels, mentor roundtables, special presentations, networking and more. Youth will learn directly from engineers, technicians, machinists, operations staff, software professionals, recruiters and business leaders about what it takes to build, move, test and support aerospace systems.
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To participate and qualify for the incentive, youth must meet WIOA In-School Youth eligibility requirements, including being enrolled in school and meeting low-income eligibility guidelines. Eligible candidates must also be facing at least one eligible barrier to employment or education:
- Being an English language learner
- Being justice-involved
- Experiencing homelessness
- Currently or formerly in foster care
- Pregnant or parenting
- Is an individual with a disability
- Needing additional assistance to complete an educational program or secure or hold employment
EDO staff will host an in-person information session for youth interested in learning more about the Space Beach Expedition. The session will be held at the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.) as listed below:
- Wednesday, July 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.
The City is also inviting aerospace employers, advanced manufacturers, education partners and training providers to participate in the Space Beach Expedition by hosting site visits, providing guest speakers, offering mentor roundtables, leading hands-on demonstrations, reviewing resumes, or helping students better understand entry-level roles, training requirements and career advancement opportunities. Interested employers should contact EDO Business Engagement Supervisor Jennifer Angeles Weyh via email at Jennifer.Angeles@longbeach.gov.
“Our Space Beach Youth Career Expedition is about inspiring the next generation and continuing to position Long Beach as a magnet for 21st century talent,” said EDO Director Bo Martinez in a public statement. “By introducing our youth to the region’s thriving aerospace industry, we’re helping them explore new career pathways, develop valuable skills, pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.”
Applications are available online until Friday, July 3.
