Long Beach Youth Empowered: $550,000 Awarded to 11 Community Projects Through Participatory Budgeting Initiative

Long Beach Youth Empowered: $550,000 Distributed to Local Organizations

Long Beach, CA — In a vibrant display of civic engagement, Long Beach youth have cast their votes, resulting in the distribution of $550,000 to 11 organizations as part of the third annual Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (PB) project. This initiative, aimed at empowering young voices, saw an impressive turnout of 1,976 votes—more than tripling participation from the previous year.

The program invites youth aged 12 to 26 who live, work, or play in Long Beach to vote on summer projects that directly impact their community. This year’s funding comes from the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Youth Development, in collaboration with The Nonprofit Partnership, the Invest in Youth Coalition led by Khmer Girls in Action, and the California State University of Long Beach Department of Geography. The funding is made possible through Measure US, a local initiative aimed at enhancing community services.

“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.

The Youth Power PB Long Beach initiative allows nonprofit organizations to receive funding for projects that empower youth and emerging adults. All proposed projects were brainstormed and submitted by local youth and youth-serving organizations.

During the voting period from April 8 to April 23, young residents had the opportunity to cast their ballots at high schools, teen centers, public libraries, and community organizations. Voters could select up to four programs to fund, focusing on areas such as community care, housing, health and wellness, future planning, and transportation—all aligned with the Long Beach Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.

Of the 24 projects on the ballot, the following eleven emerged victorious, each receiving $50,000 to support their initiatives:

Community Care

• Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach (The Volunteer Center) – A youth-led volunteer program focused on hands-on service projects.
• Cultivating Young Chefs (Sowing Seeds of Change) – A farm-to-table program teaching youth culinary skills and entrepreneurship.
• Ocean Action Leadership Camp (Algalita) – A six-week program combining science, exploration, and community service.
• Boys of Optimism Leadership & Development (B.O.L.D.) Summer Academy (Project Optimism) – A mentorship program for young boys focusing on leadership and cultural identity.

Health and Wellness

• Sunset Boxing, Pickleball & Wellness (Devotion Fitness) – Free sports sessions aimed at fostering community connections.
• The Y Not Project (YMCA) – A summer program featuring a free basketball league and various activities.
• The Summer YOUth Games (Books & Buckets) – A program emphasizing leadership through basketball-inspired games.
• Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma (Breaking the Cycle) – A wellness space for youth to discuss family and relationships.

Housing

• Youth Education and Adjustment Housing (YEAH!) (Success in Challenges) – Providing support for young people facing housing instability.

Planning for the Future

• EmpowerED Life Skills for Success (Elite Skills Development) – A program teaching essential life skills like budgeting and meal prep.

Transportation

• Car and Driver Ed – Drive Smart, Own Responsibly (Our Generation Cares) – A program offering driving education and workforce readiness.

Local youth interested in participating in any of these summer programs are encouraged to reach out directly to the organizations involved. Contact information can be found on the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage.

This initiative not only empowers youth but also strengthens community ties, ensuring that the voices of Long Beach’s younger residents are heard and valued.