LOS ANGELES, CA - On Friday, May 26, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, together with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and local officials joined the L.A. River Rangers to clean up parts of the Los Angeles River, while highlighting the importance of Governor Gavin Newsom’s youth jobs proposal in 2023-24. The event was also a kickstarter for recruitment efforts for the Youth Jobs Corps program.
The Youth Jobs Corps, which is administered by California Volunteers under the Office of the Governor, is a statewide program aimed at assisting young individuals who are unemployed, not attending school, come from low-income families, have a history of justice involvement, or are transitioning from foster care. It offers comprehensive support, including job coaching, training, and the opportunity to earn wages.
“Governor Gavin Newsom is investing in our youth in unprecedented ways,” said Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “This program will allow underserved youth to find employment, gain valuable job skills and contribute to their communities.”
Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, a longtime workforce development and equitable opportunity advocate, highlighted the importance of the program in building pathways to sustained success for Los Angeles Youth:
“The LA River Rangers program is a shining example of the Youth Jobs Corps' success, simultaneously working to address the environmental needs of the L.A. River while granting increased opportunities to underserved youth,” said Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo. “Los Angeles is home to many low-income, justice involved, and foster care transitioning youth, who will now have access to a pathway for sustained opportunity and growth. These grants administered through California Volunteers are a reflection of California’s commitment in investing in our shared future. The legislature, in partnership with the Governor, have prioritized the needs of young people in an effort to create a brighter future for the next generation of Californians. It’s an exciting time for our state.”
The LA River Rangers program, receiving $5 million in funding, is a component of a larger $53 million grant provided by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. Additionally, the Governor has proposed allocating $78.1 million for ongoing statewide funding for the Youth Jobs Corps program. The program will employ over 100 youth, aged 18-30, to maintain 18 miles of public space along the L.A. River.
In addition to the LA River Rangers program, other projects operated by the Youth Jobs Corps play a crucial role in helping communities address food insecurity, climate change, and COVID-19 recovery. They receive comprehensive support, including job coaching and training, while working directly for community organizations. Over the course of the program, the City of Los Angeles aims to employ thousands of young Californians to work in various city and community based jobs.
"It is important that in Los Angeles we create fulfilling jobs that help our young people thrive. I will continue to work with partners in every level of government to ensure that we are doing all we can for future generations,” said Mayor Karen Bass.
Additionally, several other cities, such as Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, and San Jose, along with counties like Contra Costa and Marin, are participating in the Youth Jobs Corps program. This multi-city and multi-county effort aims to empower young individuals throughout the state.
Additional Quotes:
Senator Steven Bradford: “As a former LA Corps Director, I know first-hand the value of these programs and projects. I am impressed by the work of the River Rangers team. This Youth Jobs Corps program allows young people to gain important work skills, serve their community, and earn money in the process. On top of that, the participants can immediately see the fruits of their hard work through the beautification of the Los Angeles River.”
Senator Henry Stern: “The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps program enables thousands of young Angelinos to find employment, gain valuable skills, and serve their communities. I am proud to advocate for such a program that works to renew hope in a generation that has and continues to face much hardship from these past few years."
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson: “I am pleased to express my strong support for #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps and the River Rangers initiative. The program provides essential support to young people and offers them a sense of purpose, self-worth, and an opportunity to develop their skills and abilities. I applaud the program's organizers for prioritizing the holistic development of our community’s youth.”
Assemblymember Laura Friedman: “When Californians work together, California wins. The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps is an impactful program that offers our youth a chance at resume building work while improving our communities. At a time when our problems require large scale responses, these youth are leading the way and showing us the values that make us great. As stewards of the LA River, the River Rangers are creating a blueprint on how to care for our incredible natural resources.”
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco: “Programs like this empower our youth to become part of the solution in tackling some of the most pressing issues within our communities. I am thankful to the Governor’s administration and all my colleagues in the Legislature for creating new opportunities that will ensure a better tomorrow, not just for our youth, but for all.”
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Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo was elected to the California State Assembly in December 2017. She represents the 52nd District of California, encompassing large parts of East and North Los Angeles. She has served as the Chair of Budget Sub-Committee #4 on State Administration, and a member of the Appropriations, Health, Housing and Community Development, and Utilities and Energy Committees, as well as Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities