Office of Youth Development Announces 2026 Youth Power Participatory Budgeting Long Beach Awardees

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Youth participating in a prior Youth Power Participatory Budgeting (YPPB) Voter Fair & Celebration.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in collaboration with community partners, will award $500,000 to 10 organizations to fund projects selected by youth as part of the fourth year of the citywide Youth Participatory Budgeting (Youth Power PB) initiative. Community partners include The Nonprofit Partnership, the Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action and California State University, Long Beach Department of Geography.

"Participatory Budgeting is more than just casting a ballot; it is about young people taking ownership of the future of Long Beach," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This year's awarded projects reflect the deep creativity and care our youth have for their community. We are ensuring the next generation of leaders has the resources to thrive and lead our city forward."

From April 13-28, young people throughout Long Beach voted on youth-centered programs they wanted to fund. Voting locations were set up at middle and high schools, park teen centers, public libraries, youth workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the voting period. Youth were able to vote for up to four programs that will receive funding this summer.

This year's ballot featured 15 youth-created projects. A total of 1,422 votes were validated, demonstrating sustained momentum in youth engagement in the participatory budgeting process, which highlights continued youth dedication in civic engagement. Youth prioritized programs focused on community care, housing, health and wellness, as well as future planning in alignment with the Long Beach Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan.

Ten of the 15 projects on the ballot received the popular vote and will each be awarded $50,000 grants to support activities across a range of focus areas. Learn more about the 10 projects below:

Community Care

• The Volunteer Center (311 votes) - Impact Makers: Act Now Long Beach

This youth-led volunteer program engages participants in hands-on community service projects that address local needs. Youth build leadership skills and social connections while supporting their community through service.

• Algalita (288 votes) - Urban Ocean Story Lab

This five-week program teaches youth to direct, film and edit short documentaries about their connection to the Long Beach coastline. Participants work with scientists and film professionals while engaging in kayaking and lab activities that inform their digital storytelling. The films will premiere during a community screening.

• Creative Art Events (256 votes) - Thrift Flip Fashion Experience

Youth ages 14 to 23 explore sustainable fashion by learning to upcycle reclaimed clothing into bold new looks during this three-week summer program. The experience includes evening workshops on sewing and design and concludes with a youth-led fashion show featuring participants' original creations.

Health and Wellness

• Devotion Fitness (401 votes) - Sunset Boxing & Wellness

Designed for youth ages 12 to 26, this 12-week program offers free boxing fitness, self-defense and hiking sessions in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants may also attend "Welcome Wellness" workshops focused on nutrition, self-care techniques and personalized fitness routines.

• Long Beach United (302 votes) - Summer Kick-Off Tournament

This 10-week soccer program for youth ages 10 to 18 includes training sessions, weekly games and a culminating championship tournament. Participants build teamwork skills and strengthen connections with coaches and peers in a fun and competitive environment.

• Arts Council for Long Beach (255 votes) - Healing through Color

This eight-week creative arts program invites youth to explore painting, music and nature in a supportive space focused on self-expression and connection. Open to youth of all experience levels, participants build community while using art to support mental well-being.

Housing

• Success in Challenges (265 votes) - H.Y.P.E. Housing & Youth Adjustment

This six-week program supports transitional-aged youth ages 18 to 26 with life skills, housing education and workforce readiness. Participants build confidence and gain the tools to navigate independent living and achieve long-term stability.

Planning for the Future

• Sowing Seeds of Change (345 votes) - Growing Futures: Cultivating Young Chefs

This three-week farm-to-table program allows youth ages 15 to 24 to learn how to grow food and prepare professional dishes alongside expert chefs. Participants gain hands-on entrepreneurial skills to start a food business and earn a California Food Handlers Card, along with a $100 stipend.

• Youth Leadership Institute (285 votes) - Kaleidoscope Theater Workshop

This community-based, youth-led program invites young people ages 14 to 24 to explore social justice themes through writing and acting. Over 12 weeks, participants receive stipends and meals while collaborating on an original theatrical performance for the Long Beach community.

• Shared Science (256 votes) - R.E.A.D.Y. - Robotics Exploration and Development

In this three-week STEM program, incoming sixth- through 12th-grade students build and program mechanical systems using VEX Robotics. Youth participate in daily rapid-fire challenges and competitions to develop engineering skills, with experienced mentors available to support participants of all skill levels.

Those interested in participating in summer programs should contact the organizations directly. Program information and contact details are available on the Office of Youth Development Youth Fund webpage.

Youth Power PB Long Beach, the citywide participatory budgeting process, provides nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the goals of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan opportunity to receive funding for initiatives that directly empower youth and emerging adults. All projects on the ballot were developed and proposed by youth and youth-serving nonprofit organizations.

Funding for the Youth Power PB Long Beach program is provided by Measure US, the City's voter-approved funding measure that supports youth development, climate action and community investment initiatives.

These programs align with the City's Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence. Highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations and the City's summer activities calendar are available on the City's Summer of Opportunity webpage.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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