06/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2026 17:23
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is inviting eligible Long Beach youth to apply for the 2026 Space Beach Youth Career Expedition (Space Beach Expedition), a no-cost, six-day career exploration experience designed to help students discover career and education pathways in aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, software, mission operations and supply chain logistics. Applications are available online until Friday, July 3, 2026.
"Long Beach is leading the way in aerospace and space innovation, and the Space Beach Youth Career Expedition will give our young people a firsthand look at the opportunities emerging within this dynamic sector," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "By bringing together industry leaders, educators and community partners, we are inspiring the next generation and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to succeed. Investing in our youth today strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth and ensures Long Beach remains a leader in innovation for decades to come."
Administered by the Department's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the Space Beach Expedition will serve a small cohort of up to 25 youth ages 17 to 21 to provide more personalized career coaching, stronger peer connections and meaningful access to employers, mentors and post-secondary partners. Activities are anticipated to take place July 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Participants who successfully complete the program may qualify for an incentive of up to $1,000.
Space Beach Expedition participants will have an opportunity to explore Long Beach's nationally recognized Space Beach economy through employer site visits, behind-the-scenes workplace experiences, hands-on activities, career panels, mentor roundtables, special presentations, networking and more. Youth will learn directly from engineers, technicians, machinists, operations staff, software professionals, recruiters and business leaders about what it takes to build, move, test and support aerospace systems.
The Space Beach Expedition, formerly called Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp, is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. To participate and qualify for the incentive, youth must meet WIOA In-School Youth eligibility requirements, include being enrolled in school and meeting low-income eligibility guidelines. Eligible candidates must also be facing at least one eligible barrier to employment or education, such as being an English language learner; justice-involved; experiencing homelessness; currently or formerly in foster care; pregnant or parenting; an individual with a disability; or needing additional assistance to complete an educational program or secure or hold employment.
EDO staff will host two in-person information sessions for youth interested in learning more about the Space Beach Expedition. The sessions will be held at the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.) as listed below:
The City is also inviting aerospace employers, advanced manufacturers, education partners and training providers to participate in the Space Beach Expedition by hosting site visits, providing guest speakers, offering mentor roundtables, leading hands-on demonstrations, reviewing resumes, or helping students better understand entry-level roles, training requirements and career advancement opportunities. Interested employers should contact Jennifer Angeles Weyh, Business Engagement Supervisor, EDO, via email at [email protected].
"Our Space Beach Youth Career Expedition is about inspiring the next generation and continuing to position Long Beach as a magnet for 21st century talent," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "By introducing our youth to the region's thriving aerospace industry, we're helping them explore new career pathways, develop valuable skills, pursue their dreams and build a brighter future."
This is the third consecutive year that EDO has offered an immersive and socially engaging aerospace career exploration program for young people. Last year, 36 youth participated in the Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp; and in 2024, another 32 youth completed the program.
For additional information about Space Beach Expedition, people may visit the EDO website or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700.
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.
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