Welcome to LA County’s Youth@Work Program

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Youth@Work

DEO’s Youth@Work program provides the County’s future workforce with first-time, paid work experiences with high-growth and high-road sectors, building skills and experiences that meet the region’s talent needs now and in the future. The program offers LA County youth ages 14 to 24 with personal enrichment and hands-on paid work experience through our America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and local employer partners. 

For Youth

  • Participation in 20 hours of personal enrichment programming DEO’s Transition Age Youth – World of Work (TAY-WOW) class with an AJCC, including life skills, career pathway planning, and job portfolio development and readiness
  • 140 hours of paid work experience with hundreds of participating employer partners as host sites. This includes $17.87 per hour in wages, starting July 1st, 2025.
  • Post-program connection to additional hiring, training, and education opportunities
  • Connection to supportive services and mentorship programs

For Employers

  • Access to a new and emerging talent pipeline for approximately two months of part-time work prior to hire, where opportunities are available 
  • Earn wage and insurance subsidy for up to 140 hours of paid work by youth participants with an AJCC as employer of record 
  • Serve as a host site and the development of the County’s future of work 

Get Started!

For Youth

Check Eligibility  

The Youth@Work Program enrolls individuals who meet the following criteria and bring the following documentation: 

  • Live in Los Angeles County (proof of residence) Live in Los Angeles County
    • Proof of residence such as a document showing a home address within LA County (e.g., school document, or government-issued ID).
  • Are 14 to 24 at time of enrollment
    • A valid form of identification to confirm age (e.g., school ID, state ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate).
  • Maintain legal right to work in the U.S.
    • Required documents per the federal I-9 form, such as:
      • U.S. Passport or
      • Government, state, or school-issued photo ID and one of the following: Social Security card, birth certificate, or work authorization card.
  • May face barriers to work or school, such as LGBTQ+, current or former foster youth, youth from CalWORKS households, youth from low-income households, pregnant or parenting youth, justice-impacted youth, or youth experiencing homelessness 
    • Self-attestation with AJCC

Interested young adults will be asked to fill out an enrollment form with an AJCC and provide the noted documentation to participate. If unsure about eligibility, fill out an interest form to gain assistance from DEO or AJCC staff.  

Fill Out An Interest Form 

Interested and eligible youth should fill out the following interest form to sign-up. DEO and AJCC Youth@Work staff will reach out within 48 hours to visit a job enter to enroll, review documents, schedule for a TAY-WOW class, and match to an employer host site.  

FORM

For additional questions about workforce opportunities for young adults, email: youthatwork@opportunity.lacounty.gov 

For Employers

Validate Host Site Readiness Eligibility  

The Youth@Work Program enrolls employers as host sites. Host sites must work with an AJCC to enroll as a participating employer, identify employer demand and commitments for the program, fill out a host site agreement with a detailed training plan for the 140 hours, identify managerial oversight and point of contact with lead AJCC, and validate hours worked by youth.  

DEO is specifically looking for employers who represent high-growth sectors in the region and offer pathways to hire. This includes: Aerospace and Defense, Life Sciences, Construction and Infrastructure, Creative Sector, Early Care and Education, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology and Trade, Transportation and Logistics.  

Fill Out An Interest Form 

If interested in becoming a Youth Worksite for the Youth@Work Program, please complete the application below. DEO and AJCC Youth@Work staff will reach out within 48 hours. 

FORM

For additional questions about hiring and training opportunities, email:  Hireayouth@opportunity.lacounty.gov 

Special Programs

Eaton Fire Youth@Work

In response to the January 2025 Windstorms and Wildfires, DEO is providing 500 Youth@Work job opportunities for youth and young adults ages 14–24 who were impacted by the Eaton Fire. 

Youth who lived or are currently living in the fire zone, evacuation order zone, or evacuation warning zone during the Eaton Fire emergency are eligible to apply.  

Youth Interest Form
Employer Interest Form

Summer Stars with LA County Libraries 

Work with credentialed educators and get paid $17.87/hour to provide reading and math tutoring services to school-age students during the summer!

More Information