Positive Futures for Youth
NOTE! AS OF SUMMER 2026, THIS WEBSITE IS BEING UPDATED. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS OR CONTRIBUTIONS.
What We Do
Project Great Futures shares information about education, jobs, and other opportunities for young people in Southern California to make their lives, their communities, and the world a better place and to protect the future while they're at it. We believe in peaceful and positive futures for youth.
Opportunities to Learn, Earn, Serve, and Grow
Yes, you can have a great future. Help create it.
Be an advocate and activist: for yourself, your community, and the planet
Personal Growth, Creativity, and Community Activism
NEED TO ADD 2026 UPDATES
Since 1994, our signature paid Apprenticeship Program has identified over 10,000 community leaders and prepared them to make an impact. Our learning process weaves together four key elements:
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Practical, on-the-job learning through a paid, full-time nonprofit apprenticeship
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Rigorous leadership training
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Building community through our cohort model
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Mentoring, coaching, and continual self-reflection
Allies are placed with a nonprofit organization where they help address critical community needs such as youth development, education, workforce development, environmental issues, arts programming and community health.
We are a youth-led, abolitionist organization rooted in self-determination to win real change now. Our organizing is led by impacted youth and adults who believe that liberation is not only possible—it’s urgent. Together, we fight for a future where our people are free, our basic needs are met, and our communities thrive without police, prisons, or punishment.
Get involved!
https://linktr.ee/youthjusticela
Community Coalition
Community Coalition works to help transform the social and economic conditions in South LA that foster addiction, crime, violence and poverty by building a community institution that involves thousands in creating, influencing and changing public policy.
https://linkin.bio/cocosouthla/
Food Not Bombs
We recover food that would have been discarded and share it as a way of protesting war and poverty. With fifty cents of every U.S. federal tax dollar going to the military and forty percent of our food being discarded while so many people were struggling to feed their families (we felt) that we could inspire the public to press for military spending to be redirected to human needs. We also reduce food waste and meet the direct need of our community by collecting discarded food, preparing vegan meals that we share with the hungry while providing literature about the need to change our society. Food Not Bombs also provides food to protesters and striking workers and organizes food relief after natural and political crisis.
Legacy LA
Legacy LA empowers youth and families in Boyle Heights and surrounding neighborhoods to break systemic cycles of multigenerational poverty and trauma through leadership, healing, and community-driven change to build resilient and equitable neighborhoods.
Time Banking
Timebanking is a time-based currency that helps to build circles and network of mutual support. With timebanking, you give one hour of service to another, and receive one time credit. An hour is always an hour — regardless of the service offered. You can use the credits in turn to receive services — or you can donate them to others.
Environmental Justice, Sustainability and Green Jobs
California Climate Action Corps
The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship places a statewide force of emerging leaders with tribal communities, nonprofits, public agencies and educational institutions to mobilize communities through volunteer engagement, climate action and education service projects. Fellows receive financial benefits, training, earn certifications, and build professional skills over an 11-month term, from September through August. Fellow projects focus on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery and wildfire resiliency.
Positions currently available to apply for (June, 2026)
We believe everyone should have access to clear air and water, full pantries of food, affordable housing, free public transportation, good and meaningful jobs, vibrant community centers, and lives filled with joy. We’re building a movement to make that happen.
https://linktr.ee/sunrisemvmtla
Horticulture is the art, technology, business, education and science of plants. It is the food we eat, the landscapes we live and play in, the environments we thrive in. It is the business of managing and using what we grow, while maintaining the health of our soil, air, and water, and the well-being of our children, our communities, and our world. In short - it's all about plants!
There are hundreds of career pathways. Here are some of them to get you started exploring.
Transform your life by joining CCC’s year-round or seasonal training programs. While enrolled, Corpsmembers can navigate several career pathways, advance their education, qualify for scholarships, explore CCC internships, and expand their worldview with Global Corps.
https://ccc.ca.gov/corpsmember-benefits/
https://linktr.ee/CaliforniaConservationCorps
BikeLA engages in a wide variety of policy, advocacy, education, and community-building work to make the streets of Los Angeles County more bike-friendly for all who ride a bike and all who want to ride a bike.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
In return for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.w.instagram.com/wwoof/
Mission Statement: To provide meaningful nature-based education that promotes positive self-development, environmental responsibility, and outdoor career exposure for urban youth.
Los Angeles Sierra Club ICO- Inspiring Connections Outdoors
We work with schools, community groups, and other agencies to create safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for persons who might not otherwise have them. ICO outings promote individual growth through group activities and environmental and outdoor skills education.
http://angelesico.org/info-for-schools-and-agencies
Communities for a Better Environment
We organize in Southeast Los Angeles through dedicated youth and adult base-building programs.
Youth for Environmental Justice (Youth EJ) has been organizing since 1997 and now runs Youth Action! clubs at Huntington Park High, South Gate High, Linda Marquez High, and Bell High.
Community Gardens in Los Angeles
Our mission is to strengthen communities by building and supporting community gardens where every person in Los Angeles County can grow healthy food in their neighborhood.
https://www.lagardencouncil.org/
https://www.instagram.com/lagardencouncil
We are a community-based, non-profit organization that helps heal environmental injustice through urban forestry, nature-based design-build, habitat restoration, and workforce development. We work in underinvested communities in Los Angeles County - particularly in Northeast, East and South Los Angeles - to build climate resiliency through stewardship, planting, design, and community engagement.
https://www.instagram.com/north_east_trees
As a FoodCorps member, you’ll teach kids to grow, cook, and love the nourishing foods that celebrate their communities—and help schools serve more of those foods, too. FoodCorps recruits talented leaders into full-time, eleven-and-a-half month, paid positions, where they grow healthy school food environments in communities across the country through hands-on, experiential food education.
Our Mission is to foster the creation of communities actively working to address the inequalities and systemic barriers that make sustainable communities and self-reliant life-sytles unattainable. We are committed to supporting and creating justice-driven community-based programs and educational initiatives, which seek to foster dialogue, and create awareness and critical consciousness.
Get help with college, career exploration, job training, and finding a great job
Tuition Free Career Training- LA Regional Adult Education Consortium (L.A., Burbank, Montebello, and all 9 L.A. community colleges)
Where You’ll Find Find Free, or Very Low Cost, Shorter-Term CareerTraining at Your Neighborhood Adult School or Community College Noncredit Adult Education Program.
https://laraec.org/whatsnextla/cte/- search tool
LAUSD's Adult Ed Career Training Video
Affordable Job Training and Degrees at CA Community Colleges
Community Colleges offer a wide range of affordable, quality job and career training programs, in addition to degree programs. You don’t have to sign up for a degree- there are many shorter- term certificate programs offered that can get you on your way to a good paying job in a short period of time. Most first time college students now qualify for two yeard free tuition.
General info for the whole state
Not sure what you want to do? Take the quiz!
Click “Financial Aid and Support Services” in the top right corner HERE to see all that they offer students
Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles
"To train, educate and prepare women and youth for transformative careers in the construction industry."
Our commitment to excellence is grounded in our belief that every woman deserves equitable opportunities to succeed, regardless of the zip code where she lives or other circumstances. We are passionate about driving positive change, challenging barriers, and creating pathways to success for women.
Apprenticeship- Get paid to learn from the experts in their fields
Yes, you read that right: You can get PAID to LEARN on a real career path, so no need to juggle work and school! x
A union apprenticeship is an excellent career choice if you like to work with your hands; are willing to serve an apprenticeship for up to five years, depending on the trade you select; have dexterity, mechanical ability, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team; want to earn a living wage and good benefits; and want the opportunity to advance in your career.
Nationwide apprenticeship info
CA Skilled Trades apprenticeship page
Workers Club LA (@workersclub_la) | TikTok. (includes other lucrative jobs)
NEED TO CONTINUE SUMMER 2026 UPDATE HERE
Are you the first in your family to go to college?
There's something special about being the first…especially being the first in your family to attend and graduate from college. I'm First! is an online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.
http://www.imfirst.org/#overview
Twitter:https://twitter.com/imfirstgen
FB:https://www.facebook.com/imfirstgen
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/imfirstgen/
Job Corps
Most Job Corps students live on our campuses and usually live and train at the center closest to home. Some centers, however, have a non-residential option that allows students to live at home during training. Residents live in a furnished dorm room with several roommates. The dorms include lounges with televisions, workout spaces, and laundry facilities. Additionally, you receive three meals a day, a center uniform, clothing for career training, class supplies, basic medical care, a twice-monthly stipend for toiletries and other necessities, sheets and towels, and access to phones and computers.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/doljobcorps/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/thejobcorps?lang=en
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/doljobcorps/?hl=en
First Place for Youth
Support, Housing, Education and Job Training for Foster Youth and Those Transitioning out of the Foster System
“We support young people in finding a safe place to live, get their first job, and keep going in school. Together, our programs at First Place provide California’s most vulnerable young people with the tools they need to reach their full potential in school, work, and life.”
http://www.firstplaceforyouth.org/
FB:https://www.facebook.com/FirstPlaceforYouth
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/firstplaceforyouth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FPFY
Koreatown: 213.835.2700
South Los Angeles (Leimert Park): 213.279.2785
YouthBuild
“There are at least 2.3 million low-income 16 – 24-year-olds in the United States who are neither in school nor employed. All are in urgent need of pathways to jobs, education, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities leading to productive and contributing livelihoods. YouthBuild programs provide those pathways by unleashing the positive energy of low-income young people to rebuild their communities and their lives, breaking the cycle of poverty with a commitment to work, education, community, and family. “
Find a program near you:https://www.youthbuild.org/program-directory
Twitter:https://twitter.com/youthbuildusa
L.A. Cash For College
L.A. Cash for College helps students achieve their college aspirations through a three step process that informs, assists and rewards students and families throughout the Los Angeles region. Since 2002, we have helped more than 238,000 students and their families prepare for college and apply for financial aid.
http://www.lacashforcollege.org/
http://www.lacashforcollege.org/preparing_for_college
All about college
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LACash4College/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/lacash4college
http://www.lacashforcollege.org/financial_aid_for_minorities
L.A. Economic & Workforce Development Department
Lots of good stuff here for all kinds of job seekers:
https://www.jobsla.org/vosnet/Default.aspx
http://ewddlacity.com/index.php/employment-services/youth-age-16-24
FB:https://www.facebook.com/LAEWDD/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LAEWDD
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laewdd/
https://www.jobsla.org/vosnet/Default.aspx
AYE L.A.- The Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services
The Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services (AYE) provides over 2,000 less privileged youth with job training, educational and career services each year. An additional 1,500 young people receive referral and job placement assistance through an extensive network of employers and community organizations.
http://www.ayela.org/youth-services
FB:https://www.facebook.com/AYEservices/
Streetlights
Streetlights mission is to assist talented and motivated young adult minorities, many economically and socially disadvantaged, to achieve long term economic stability and career success in the motion picture/TV industry. As a Job Training, Job Placement and Career Advancement organization, our ultimate goal is to assist our graduates in advancing from entry level Production Assistant to management track positions and Union crews—and ultimately into the behind-the-camera fields which interest them and for which they show aptitude. We provide Free Job Training followed by at least six months of guaranteed Job Placement. Once our graduates excel as Production Assistants, we continue assistance through Job Counseling, Advanced Training and Professional Apprenticeships to give our participants every opportunity for Career Advancement. 100% of Streetlights’ resources go into funding and supporting these services.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/Streetlights/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/streetlightspas/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/StreetlightsPAs/
Hollywood CPR- Cinema Production Resources Training Program
Classes & training in MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION & STAGE PRODUCTION CRAFTS
Held at West L.A. College- visit: http://www.wlac.edu/Entertainment/Production.aspx
http://www.hollywoodcpr.org/index.htm
Aviation Mechanic Program at North Valley Occupational Center
The Aircraft Mechanic Program consists of 45 subject areas presented in three separate classes; the coursework consists of both technical and classroom training and "hands -on" shop experience. All three courses are required to prepare students for the F.A.A. licensing examination in General Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. The program is designed to be completed in 2.5 years. The only prerequisite is a 9th grade reading and math level.
https://wearedace.org/clay-lacy-aviation-donates-10200-in-scholarships-to-nvoc/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPQ0p9jQCac
Veterinary Technician Program at L.A. Pierce College
Earning an AS degree in Veterinary Technology from Pierce College qualifies a student to sit for the national and state board exams. The comprehensive scope of the Veterinary Technology major provides the student with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment as a Registered Veterinary Technician in many different capacities and settings.
http://www.piercecollege.edu/departments/agriculture/rvt.asp
http://movieandvideo.net/video/vet-tech-pierce-college-8381824221d2c5d5732c13.html
Learn How to Become.org
What we do:
So many websites publish data to facilitate college and career decisions, but fail to go beyond that first dimension. LearnHowToBecome.org does things differently. We work alongside educational and employment experts to make sure information is accurate and up-to-date. We also work with content and design specialists to maximize readability and comprehension for multiple educational levels.
Heroism, action, and adventure
Heroism, Action, and Adventure
Be a hero: Become a firefighter
General info on getting started:
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/firefighter/
CAL FIRE Academy
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Academy is unique. No other training facility in the world offers such diversity in training. The Academy provides a virtually unparalleled spectrum of courses. Training is provided in fire protection, fire prevention, law enforcement, administration, resource management, and fire crew management.
http://calfire.ca.gov/fire_protection/fire_protection_cdf_academy
Firefighter training programs at CA community colleges
Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician
An EMT works in a variety of capacities, but most widely recognized for providing first-response medical attention in emergency situations. These may include car crashes, natural disasters, in-home health failures, and accidents. In addition to providing CPR and treating a variety of external wounds, EMTs also transport patients to hospitals or other medical facilities as needed.
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/paramedic-emt/
Most community colleges offer EMT training. Check your local CC to see what they offer, costs, etc.
http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Findacollege
LAUSD Adult Ed has a low-cost, county-approved EMT program at North Valley Occupational Center: http://www.nvoc.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=410317&type=d&pREC_ID=895271
Outdoor Careers
Love the Great Outdoors? Here’s a good place to start choosing the right outdoor career:
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/outdoor-careers/
Travel Jobs and Careers
Backdoor Jobs Adventures Abroad
http://www.backdoorjobs.com/adventureabroad.html
If you find yourself always daydreaming about your next travel destination, you might want to consider getting a job that lets you travel. Check these out (more good links here, too):
https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/10-best-travel-jobs/
Contact Project Great Futures
