LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity is continuing to recruit young people ages 14 to 24 for paid work experiences through its year-round Youth@Work program. Employers, nonprofit organizations and public agencies are also being invited to participate by hosting young workers.

Since May, DEO and its network of America’s Job Centers of California have held recruitment events across all five Los Angeles County supervisorial districts. The events help young people learn about the program, complete enrollment, meet employers and connect with available positions.

Recruitment will continue throughout the summer. DEO aims to place at least 500 participants with the Los Angeles County departments of Parks and Recreation and Library, YMCA locations and other participating organizations while students are out of school.

Eligible Los Angeles County youth can earn $18.47 per hour while completing at least 140 hours of part-time, hands-on work experience. Participants also receive 20 hours of job-readiness training and access to education, skills development and other support services based on their individual needs.

Eligible applicants include:

- Current and former foster youth
- Justice-impacted youth
- Young people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness or housing instability
- LGBTQ+ youth
- Youth who are not enrolled in school
- Youth with disabilities
- Young people from low-income households

Available positions may include library assistants and library pages at the County’s 85 library locations; recreation, nature center and aquatic center assistants with LA County Parks; and youth interns supporting YMCA teen, sports and community programs.

DEO is also seeking additional businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and community groups to serve as Youth@Work worksites. The department covers 100% of participant wages for up to 140 hours, allowing employers to mentor young workers and introduce them to career opportunities while reducing hiring costs.

“A first job can change the course of a young person’s future,” DEO Director Kelly LoBianco said. “It builds confidence, introduces new possibilities, and helps young people see themselves in careers they may have never imagined.”

The program is also prioritizing youth affected by recent emergencies and economic hardship. DEO is providing 500 paid work opportunities for young people ages 14 to 24 who lived in or were displaced from communities affected by the January 2025 Eaton Fire. Youth from families affected by recent immigration enforcement actions may also receive paid work experiences through the program.

Young people can get started by completing an interest form, contacting their local AJCC or attending an upcoming recruitment event. Employers interested in hosting participants may also complete an interest form or contact their local AJCC.

More information about Youth@Work and upcoming recruitment events is available at opportunity.lacounty.gov/youthatwork.