Starting on the Right Foot

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

At the time of our inception, downtown LB was notorious for gang activity - resulting in a need for an academic & recreational safe space. Over the years, the new safety concern has become an increasing homeless population, many of whom have turned to substance abuse to cope with daily health concerns & the dangers of living on the streets. Students lack access to academic support due to illiterate, low education &/or non-English-speaking homes, raising the risk for some of falling into the trap of homelessness. Parents are often working minimum wage jobs, forcing our high school aged students to seek sources of income to help with expenses. Inadequate academic assistance & constant financial insecurity can lead young people down the wrong path. Being able to engage young ones early on can help offer tools to develop the inner drive necessary to succeed academically & build an appropriate work ethic for their future.

Our Work Preparedness Program (WPP) is designed to give young people opportunities for development, growth & success, preparing them with work experience. In the past, this program has been made up of 3 categories: Elementary-aged students, as Junior Volunteers, assist in classrooms, help with special projects and learn how to be responsive to their peers. They are not compensated financially, but receive celebratory parties offering encouragement to continue to serve and make a positive impact. Middle school and high school students, as Junior Work Trainees, develop leadership skills in the workplace. Their role includes being a good role model, assisting staff, respecting everyone, serving as an aid in classes, and leaning into teaching moments. This position was compensated with a $200 gift card or free transportation last summer.
High school students (at least 15 years of age), as Learners, are hired for a 90-day period of time and receive 85% of minimum wage. They work closely with current staff members to learn healthy work skill sets and develop a positive work ethic. This year’s plan will continue with these three categories, with additional openings for each, in addition to a fourth category:
College students as Interns (either independently or through CSULB’s Community Internship Program) to write lesson plans, help run clubs, etc. These positions are planned to be compensated with an agreed-upon stipend (approximately $3K) for a 2-3 month period.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will have a thriving young workforce dedicated to making a positive impact. Empowered with a strong work ethic and a desire to serve their community, these young people will be equipped to tackle challenges and contribute to a brighter future. Our vision for success is a set of young people who are empowered and equipped to reach overall success. This will, in turn, lead to young people who are deeply invested in their community.
We are currently looking to increase the number of positions available, the term length for some positions and the compensation for other positions.

The main objective of our program is to come alongside young people to motivate, empower and equip them to reach overall success. One effective measure is their academic achievements, such as high school graduation rates, student of the month awards, school involvement, higher test scores and grades, and independence in studying. We have observed a correlation between involvement in organized responsibilities and tasks with the development of inner drive and a willingness to help those around them. Last year, following the 90-day period, two of the five Learners involved were hired as part of the permanent staff of Rising TIDE. Two others chose to focus on their academics and the last moved on to employment in the community.