Seen&Heard

Seen&Heard prepares foster and systems-impacted youth in Antelope Valley for success in work and life through trauma-informed workforce development. With LA2050’s support, we will purchase a van so that we can eliminate transportation as the biggest barrier to program participation so more high-risk, high-need transition-age youth can gain the skills and knowledge to gain real world skills, a network of support, and tools to succeed professionally.

This grant will support Seen&Heard’s trauma-informed performing arts program, designed to equip systems-impacted youth with essential social-emotional skills. Through a comprehensive curriculum involving workshops, professional development, and personalized coaching, the program aims to foster resilience, confidence, and employability, ultimately helping youth overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in the workforce.

System-impacted youth are empowered and equipped for their future through our program, but how can we ensure that our graduates are connected to safe and supportive avenues for continued learning or employment? Our pilot program, "Launched in L.A." is seeking to develop this pathway for the youth who graduate from our program. Through vetted community and county connections, as well as scholarship opportunities, we walk alongside youth as they transition from our program into independence, providing support every step of the way.

In this intensive training opportunity with our top graduates, Seen&Heard will prepare at-promise youth to deliver fast-pitch style presentations to potential employers representing various industries in L.A. Having successfully completed our professional character development program, graduates are ready to embark on meaningful employment opportunities. This program provides historically marginalized system-impacted youth with access to professional futures and increases employer's capacity to build an effective and diverse talent pipeline.