FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2026
Media Contact
Angela Herrera Perez
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County DEO Invites Youth and Employers to Explore Paid Work Opportunities Through Youth@Work
Reruitment continues across Los Angeles County as DEO connects young people to paid work experiences with LA County Parks, Libraries, and YMCA sites and invites employers to help build the next generation of talent ts
Los Angeles, CA — With schools out for the summer, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is reminding youth and employers that paid work opportunities are available now through the year-round Youth@Work program. Since May, DEO and its network of America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have hosted recruitment events across all five supervisorial districts to help young people learn about the program, complete enrollment, meet employers, and connect to paid work experiences. Recruitment will continue throughout the summer as DEO aims to place at least 500 Youth@Work participants in positions with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation(LA County Parks) and Libraries, as well as YMCA locations while students are out of school and exploring career paths.
Through Youth@Work, eligible youth ages 14 to 24 who live in Los Angeles County can earn $18.47 per hour while gaining 140 hours or more of hands-on experience in part-time roles with local employers. Participants also receive 20 hours of job readiness training and are connected to education, skills training, and wraparound supports tailored to their needs. Eligible youth include current or former foster youth, justice-impacted youth, youth who are currently or have previously experienced homelessness or housing instability, LGBTQ+ youth, youth not enrolled in school, youth with disabilities, and youth from low-income households.
This summer, DEO is partnering with the Los Angeles County Library, the LA County Parks, YMCA locations, and other public, nonprofit, and private sector employers to provide meaningful work experiences that strengthen communities while helping youth build workplace skills. Participants may serve as: Library Assistants and Library Pages at any of the County’s 85 library locations; Recreation Assistants, Nature Center Assistants, and Aquatic Center Support Staff with LA County Parks, nature centers, aquatics facilities, sports programming, ESTEAM camps, and Every Body Plays Summer activities; or Youth Interns supporting YMCA teen programming, sports programming, and other community-based activities.
As DEO continues recruiting youth this summer, the Department is also encouraging additional employers across Los Angeles County, including businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations to partner with Youth@Work by hosting participants. The program gives employers access to motivated young workers while helping build the County’s future workforce. Best of all, DEO pays 100 percent of participant wages for up to 140 hours, reducing hiring costs while allowing employers to mentor young talent, strengthen their teams, and introduce participants to meaningful career pathways.
“Young people deserve opportunities to participate in programs that provide professional development, education and wraparound support during a pivotal time in their lives while enriching their social-emotional well-being and fostering connections with peers and mentors in their communities,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “The County is proud to create meaningful paid work experiences every summer for our youth, many of whom have been affected by recent emergencies and economic hardship, to help ensure they have the tools to succeed. By working with local businesses, community partners and public agencies, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to tomorrow’s workforce.”
“It’s important that we raise awareness and help support our young people in connecting to life-changing opportunities available through our Youth@Work program. It’s more than a summer program it provides meaningful and paid experiences for young people entering the workforce to explore and start building a career. I encourage our young people and employers to take advantage of this win-win opportunity,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
“The future of Los Angeles County requires us to invest in young people today,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Youth@Work gives young people the opportunity to earn a paycheck, gain real-world experience, and build skills that open doors long after their first job ends. Uplifting our next generation of talent that is what will keep our communities and our economy strong.”
“When I was growing up, getting a summer job was almost a rite of passage. It was how so many of us earned our first paycheck, learned responsibility, and even discovered what we wanted to do. Those opportunities aren’t as easy to find today, which is the Youth@Work program is so important. These jobs help young people build skills, earn good wages, and open doors to careers they can pursue for years to come,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“This program works because everyone benefits–young people get more than a paycheck,” said Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “They get mentors, real-world experience, and a path toward a career. Employers get talented, motivated workers without the overhead of a traditional internship. Expanding Youth@Work to include Eaton fire survivors was a priority for me, and I want to make sure every eligible young person knows this opportunity exists for them.”
DEO also continues to prioritize employment opportunities for youth impacted by recent emergencies and economic hardship. Following a motion led by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, DEO is providing 500 paid work opportunities for youth ages 14 to 24 who lived in or were displaced from communities impacted by the January 2025 Eaton Fire. Additionally, following a motion led by First District Supervisor and Chair Hilda L. Solis, DEO continues to extend paid work experiences opportunities through Youth@Work for youth from families impacted by recent immigration enforcement.
“A first job can change the course of a young person’s future. It builds confidence, introduces new possibilities, and helps young people see themselves in careers they may have never imagined. Through Youth@Work, DEO is helping make those opportunities possible while connecting employers with the next generation of talent,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO.
“For many young people, a job with LA County Parks is more than a summer opportunity—it’s the first step toward discovering their potential and building a future career,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of LA County Parks. “Through Youth@Work, participants gain valuable skills, confidence, and experience while making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. We’re proud to help open those doors.”
“At LA County Library, we believe libraries are places where learning extends beyond books. Through this partnership, young people will gain meaningful work experience, develop valuable workplace skills, and discover how they can make a positive impact in their communities,” said Dr. Skye Patrick, Director of LA County Library. “We are proud to help prepare the next generation for future success.”
For more information on the program and upcoming recruitment events, youth and employers may visit opportunity.lacounty.gov/youthatwork. To get started, youth may complete an interest form, contact their local AJCC, or attend an upcoming recruitment event. To sign up as a worksite to host participants, employers can complete an interest form or contact their local AJCC. Whether launching a first job, exploring a future career, or helping shape tomorrow’s workforce, Youth@Work creates opportunities for young people and employers alike while strengthening communities across Los Angeles County.
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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, LA County Film Office, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.