Positive Futures for Youth
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 can help your school or group organize career & info fairs free of charge. 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
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.
https://www.instagram.com/blklivesmatter/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatter/
https://twitter.com/blklivesmatter
Youth Justice Coalition
The Youth Justice Coalition (YJC) is working to build a youth, family, and formerly and currently incarcerated people’s movement to challenge America’s addiction to incarceration and race, gender and class discrimination in Los Angeles County’s, California’s and the nation’s juvenile and criminal injustice systems.
Get involved!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/YouthJusticeLA/
Immigrant Youth Coalition
The Immigrant Youth Coalition is an organization led by undocumented youth and immigrants and students to fight for immigrant rights, education and against criminalization.
We work in 6 regions in CA.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Immigrant.Youth.Coalition
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Immigrantpower
Youth Speak Collective
Youth Speak’s mission is to empower low-income, at-risk youth and their families with the skills necessary to pursue higher education and create strong communities. The organization’s name stems from its commitment to providing youth with the opportunity to ‘speak’ – to be vocal and empowered, helping develop the very programs they participate in, programs that improve the health of their neighborhoods.
http://www.youthspeakcollective.org/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/youthspeakcollective/
Twitter: @youthspeakup
Constitutional Rights Foundation- Expanding Horizons Internships
Since 1995, Expanding Horizons Internships (EHI) has provided first-generation, college-bound high school students in the Los Angeles area with an intensive experience of skill development and personal growth that prepares them for college, career, and civic life. The EHI program begins with interactive seminars in the spring and concludes with a paid summer internship at a prestigious law firm, corporation, government agency, or non-profit organization.
http://www.crf-usa.org/youth-internship-program/expanding-horizons-internships.html
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ConstitutionalRightsFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crfusa/
Twitter: @crfusa
Reach LA
REACH LA is a revolutionary and innovative organization that transforms the lives of transition-age urban youth by providing pathways to success, in an environment that ignites passion and creativity. REACH LA’s business is to make young people’s lives better by helping them to create meaning and purpose in their own lives, and by giving them the tools to share value and connect with others. REACH LA is building a community of urban youth, where color, race, gender, sexuality, and health status are no longer the determining factors of success, and where insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo are the drivers.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/theeREACHLA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reach_la/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reachla
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.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CoCoSouthLA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoCoSouthLA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/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 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.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Los-Angeles-Food-Not-Bombs-166038953457132/
Legacy LA’s Youth Council
Youth between the ages of 14-18 meet weekly to participate in Social Justice and Political Education workshops to learn strategies and skills to organize their communities and to tackle pressing issues.
http://legacyla.org/dream-big-programs/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyLA/
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.
https://timebanks.org/get-started/join/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ArroyoSecoNetworkOfTimeBanks/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Koreatown-Time-Bank-578323192185350/
Sierra Club ICO- Inspiring Connections Outdoors
The Los Angeles Inspiring Connections Outdoors (Angeles Chapter) serves as a bridge that enables underserved youth, disabled individuals, and others to visit and develop an appreciation for our natural environment. 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
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sierralaico
Environmental and Sustainability Opportunities
Sunrise is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process.
We're building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people.
We are ordinary young people who are scared about what the climate crisis means for the people and places we love. We are gathering in classrooms, living rooms, and worship halls across the country. Everyone has a role to play. Public opinion is already with us - if we unite by the millions we can turn this into political power and reclaim our democracy.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sunrisemvmt/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sunrisemvmt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEorX5YWm_jAKknP7TY5l6Q
L.A. Bicycle Coalition
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) is a grassroots advocacy organization that encourages the use of the bicycle as a form of transportation and an enjoyable form of recreation.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lacbc?lang=en
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
In return for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WWOOF/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwoof/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwoof?lang=en
International Youth Climate Movement
The ever-growing movement of international youth who are building education, creating awareness, and taking action on climate change.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/youthclimate.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iycm?lang=en
Our program provides young men and women 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers. Our motto is ‘Hard work, low pay, miserable conditions and more!’. We are dedicated to developing our Corpsmembers into citizens with character, credentials, and commitment.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/californiaconservationcorps/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/263307912/california-conservation-corps
Mission Statement: To provide meaningful nature-based education that promotes positive self-development, environmental responsibility, and outdoor career exposure for urban youth.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Outward-Bound-Adventures-358279957164/
Youth for Environmental Justice/Youth Action
Communities for a Better Environment
The mission of CBE is to build people’s power in California’s communities of color and low income communities to achieve environmental health and justice by preventing and reducing pollution and building green, healthy and sustainable communities and environments.
http://www.cbecal.org/organizing/southern-california/youth-and-adult-groups/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthForEJ/
CBE FB: https://www.facebook.com/CBECAL/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBECal
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.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LACGC
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagardencouncil
North East Trees "YES" Program
Youth Environmental Stewardship – We educate and train at-risk youth and young adults in environmental disciplines. These programs are designed to build individual character and develop a community-based workforce to help steward environmental awareness in resource challenged communities.
http://www.northeasttrees.org/programs/youth-stewardship/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/North-East-Trees-200494189968438/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrees90/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthEastTrees
Get your hands dirty addressing food justice and your community’s health.
The specifics might vary from one school to another, but as a service member, you’ll implement FoodCorps’ evidence-based strategies to help high-need schools become healthy schools.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/foodcorps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodcorps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/foodcorps
Together our programs work to create a sustainable local food system where food is grown, distributed and bought within our own community, incorporating training and educational programs, the creation of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities and supported by partnerships with regional farmers.
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Get help with college, career exploration, job training, and finding a great job
Help With College/Job Training and Finding a Good Job
LAUSD Division of Adult and Career Education Career-Technical Education
The LAUSD DACE Career Technical Education (CTE) program provides adults with very low-cost, high-quality, and accessible job training in high demand areas, located in friendly, community-based public schools. If you need help with basic skills to support your job training, they provide it for free.
♣ Agriculture and Natural Resources
♣ Arts, Media and Entertainment
♣ Building and Construction Trades
♣ Business and Finance
♣ Education, Child Development and Family Services
♣ Energy, Environment and Utilities
♣ Engineering and Architecture
♣ Fashion and Interior Design
♣ Health Science and Medical Technology
♣ Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
♣ Information and Communication Technology
♣ Manufacturing and Product Development
♣ Marketing, Sales and Service
♣ Public Services
♣ Transportation
http://wearedace.org/career-technical-education-cte/
Video: https://youtu.be/-O0kAAqE56g
Affordable Job Training and Degrees at 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. Start you search here:
http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Students.aspx
http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/ProgramstoWatch.aspx
http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/FindACollege
For foster youth: http://www.student.cacollegepathways.org/
Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles
"To train, educate and prepare women and youth for transformative careers in the construction industry."
https://www.facebook.com/winteronline/
Apprenticeship- Get paid to learn from the experts in their fields
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.
http://www.calapprenticeship.org/
Here’s a list of Southern CA apprenticeships programs in many trades with more info:
http://www.abramfriedmanoc.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=252054&type=d&pREC_ID=577054
Search available apprenticeship programs by selecting a California county and an occupation group at https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/aigstart.asp
Foundation for Second Chances
A non-profit organization founded in 2004 to make sure that our children are being provided with the basic necessities such as a quality education, the opportunity to flourish in a safe and nurturing environment, an opportunity to build self-confidence and self-esteem, and the ability to achieve.
FB:https://www.facebook.com/ffscinc/
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
