L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative

04/03/2026

Last Thursday in Long Beach, the OYC, the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN), and the City of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services – Office of Youth Development (OYD) hosted our Learning from Data, Listening to Youth: Strengthening OY Pathways in Long Beach! ✨

We brought together youth, community partners, and data to focus on one goal: strengthening pathways for Opportunity Youth in the region. We heard directly from young people about what reconnection really looks like and reviewed data to understand how to work across sectors to identify practical, data-informed solutions.
This is the work it takes to expand access to education, training, and meaningful career pathways.💡

03/23/2026

01/22/2026

Are you a young person interested in lighting, sound, or video?

Our partners at DEO and White Hall Arts Academy are launching SOUNDWORKS - a 200-hour workforce development program training young adults (18-28) in live audio, video, and lighting production.

What you’ll get:
• Hands-on training with industry-standard gear
• Real-world experience through internships &
apprenticeships
Networking with creative industry pros
• A paid stipend + job placement support after training
Deadline to apply: 1/31

Learn more & apply here: https://
soundworks.whitehallacademy.org/application

01/15/2026

The LA OYC Youth Mentoring Nexus hosted an incredible session yesterday to learn from others in th community. Our co-design session brought together young leaders, community-based orgs, and partners from the newly launched DCFS Youth Engagement Section to rethink mentorship for youth 🤍

We’re grateful for how much we were able to learn and are excited to keep building this partnership to strengthen pathways for foster youth to find meaningful mentorship opportunities.

✨ More to come ✨ stay up to date with our Youth Mentoring Nexus newsletter linked in our bio!

01/15/2026

Applications are OPEN for the Spring 2026 La La Workforce Development Program! 🎉

This paid opportunity is for current and former foster youth ages 17–25 in TX, CA, TN, and AZ who are ready to build confidence, gain real-world experience, and grow their careers.

✨ Participants receive career readiness workshops, a paid internship, mentorship, life skills coaching, and ongoing support.

📅 Spring cohort begins in February—space is limited!
🔗 Apply now: Spring Workforce Development Application https://lnkd.in/gTVNGK_V

Want to make a difference? This program is also also seeking mentors passionate about supporting young adults transitioning into independence.

🔗 Apply to mentor: La La Mentor
https://lnkd.in/gGVhwZeA

Learn more at La La Land Foundation website or email [email protected].

Thank you for helping us spread the word and support the next generation of changemakers!

12/19/2025

Celebrating an incredible year with young leaders and our amazing partners ✨ The holidays remind us to come together, share space, and reflect with gratitude. None of this work would be possible without the community of youth advocates and champions who stand with us every step of the way.

11/20/2025

Ready to Level Up? Join Kollab Youth’s WINTER
2026!

You’re one step away from an awesome opportunity to build real career skills, connect with mentors, and strengthen your community!

Quick Details
• Program Dates: February 24 - April 17 (9 weeks)
• Orientation: February 24, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
• Classes: Every Wednesday & Thursday, 4:30-5:30 PM
(virtual)
• Application Deadline: Friday, February 20th by 5:00 PM
• New Applicants must interview by: Friday, February 20th
• Real-world workforce development skills
• Professional mentors (if you’re 16+)
• Guest speakers and career exploration
• Access to in-person opportunities and virtual special sessions
• Placement in a pre-apprenticeship program for qualified youth
• Opportunities to win scholarships, tablets, gift cards, school supplies, and more!
Before You Apply - Important Requirements
• Kollab Youth Only accepts low-income youth.
• Age: Must be 14-19 years old

11/05/2025

So thankful our Horizons 32K Youth Advisory Council got to kick off the conference with a powerful, youth-led session! 🙌

It was incredible to see a full room of people eager to hear directly from opportunity youth about how we can transform our education and workforce systems to better serve all young people.

The energy, insight, and leadership these young voices brought set the tone for an inspiring conference! The entire 3 days brought countless learnings from organizations working to improve things for at promise youth. Thank you for sharing this space with our young people

10/31/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison
(OYCL) Program-a paid, virtual leadership opportunity designed with and for Opportunity Youth.
This three-month fellowship equips young leaders (ages 16-26) with the skills, connections, and confidence to advocate directly with members of Congress on the issues that matter most-like education, employment, housing, justice, and more.
* What’s included:
- Virtual training sessions and peer learning
- An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal policymakers
- A $2,500 stipend, plus a $500 bonus for completing a congressional meeting

• Who should apply?
Young people up to age 26 who have experienced disconnection from school and/or work-and are ready to use their voice to influence real change.
Applications open now at: forumfyi.org/oycl/apply
Let’s support young leaders in shaping the policies that impact their lives and communities!

10/27/2025

Still feeling inspired after an incredible convening in Brazil for the GOYN 2025 Global Convening 🇧🇷🌍

Being in a space with young leaders from across the world reminded us how connected our struggles and dreams really are. From L.A. to Nairobi to São Paulo, we’re all fighting for opportunity, equity, and systems that actually work for young people.

A big highlight was the session led by Melanie, which brought together communities to unpack barriers and share real solutions along the education-to-work journey. Through panelists testimonies, reflection questions, and collaborative problem-solving, the session brought out ideas to strengthen opportunities for young people worldwide.

As one young leader reflected: “True change isn’t just about policy, it’s about disrupting power structures, redistributing resources, and transforming mindsets.” and “Systems change must be long-term, intergenerational work rooted in community agency, love, and hope.”
​
We came back with full hearts and fresh ideas — ready to turn conversations into real action and keep building the movement for opportunity youth everywhere. 💪🏽🔥

10/06/2025

Last week our young leaders took a break from all their amazing advocacy work to have a fun day at the park 🧺💛What a way to reset, build community and create new memories as a group! The best part was seeing all the incredible art that was being created 🤩