A sum of $550,000 will be distributed to 11 organizations voted for by Long Beach youth as part of the third annual Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (PB) project.
Youth ages 12 to 26 who live, work and/or play in Long Beach were invited to vote for summer projects to fund as part of this initiative. This year’s voting period yielded 1,976 votes, more than tripling the voter participation in 2024, according to the City of Long Beach.
This $550,000 award comes from the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Youth Development in collaboration with The Nonprofit Partnership, Invest in Youth Coalition led by Khmer Girls in Action and the California State University of Long Beach Department of Geography. Funding for the Youth Power PB Long Beach program is provided by Measure US.
“Participatory budgeting is more than a civic process—it’s a promise that every voice matters, and every young resident has the power to shape our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement.
Youth Power PB Long Beach is a citywide process that grants nonprofit organizations the chance to receive funding for initiatives that directly empower youth and emerging adults. All projects on the ballot were brainstormed and brought forth by youth and youth-serving nonprofit organizations.
During a roughly two week period (April 8-23), local youth voted at high schools, teen centers, public libraries, youth workforce centers and community-based organizations around the city. Voters could cast their ballots for up to four different programs to be funded this summer. The programs prioritized by youth voters are based in community care, housing, health and wellness, planning for the future and transportation, all of which align with the objectives of the Long Beach Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.
Of the 24 projects on the ballot, eleven won the youth popular vote and will each receive $50,000 grants to support activities across the following focus areas:
Community Care
- The Volunteer Center (397 votes) — Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach. Over five weeks, this youth-led volunteer program will empower youth to engage in a variety of hands-on service projects, such as cleaning up parks and packing and distributing hygiene kits, meals and toys for children and families.
- Sowing Seeds of Change (342 votes) — Cultivating Young Chefs. Aspiring youth chefs will grow food, cook meals and learn how to turn their recipes into a real business during this farm-to-table entrepreneur program.
- Algalita (289 votes) — Ocean Action Leadership Camp: A Summer of Science, Exploration and Action. Youth will have the opportunity to kayak, clean up beaches, conduct science experiments and earn service hours during this six-week ocean leadership program.
- Project Optimism (253 votes) — Boys of Optimism Leadership & Development (B.O.L.D.) Summer Academy. Intended for boys entering 8th and 9th grade, this program will focus on mentorship and leadership and allow participants to explore cultural identity, build life skills and connect with college-aged mentors through workshops and hands-on activities.
Health and Wellness
- Devotion Fitness (302 votes) — Sunset Boxing, Pickleball & Wellness. Youth ages 12-26 are invited to connect and thrive in a welcoming space through free boxing, pickleball and roller-skating sessions.
- YMCA (270 votes) — The Y Not Project. The YMCA will offer a free basketball league, volleyball camp, teen memberships and a giant pool party during this summer program.
- Books & Buckets (250 votes) — The Summer YOUth Games. This weekly program will emphasize leadership and communication skills through creative basketball-inspired games.
- Breaking the Cycle (228 votes) — Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma. Participants are invited to talk openly about family, relationships and healing from generational trauma in a youth-led wellness space.
Housing
- Success in Challenges (235 votes) — Youth Education and Adjustment Housing (YEAH!). Young people facing housing instability in Long Beach will receive stable housing assistance, life skills training, financial aid and physical and mental wellness support during this six-week program.
Planning for the Future
- Elite Skills Development (334 votes) — EmpowerED Life Skills for Success. Youth can learn budgeting, meal prep, first aid and laundry through this life skills program.
Transportation
- Our Generation Cares (358 votes) — Car and Driver Ed – Drive Smart, Own Responsibly. Youth will be able to explore real-world driving and career opportunities in an adaptive and accessible learning environment that features digital learning, hands-on driving experience and workforce readiness.
Local youth that are interested in participating in any of the summer programs are advised to reach out directly to the organizations. Contact information for the participating organizations can be found on the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage.
