The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (Department) is partnering with leading aerospace employers and educational institutions to offer an enriching career exploration experience for 45 Long Beach youth ages 16 to 24. The Space Beach Youth Workforce Summer Camp (Space Beach Camp) will build on the success of last year’s inaugural cohort and continue the City’s commitment to workforce equity in the growing aerospace sector. Employers and organizations are encouraged to sign-up to host related youth activities. Applications for youth participants are available online through Monday, July 7.

“Our young people are the future of Space Beach, and this camp provides participants with an exciting opportunity to explore career pathways in the transformative aerospace industry here in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are proud to partner with our aerospace and educational partners to offer this inclusive and dynamic program for young adults in our city.”

Facilitated by the Department’s youth employment center, the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, Space Beach Camp is a two-week, immersive and high-impact program intended to prepare and inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. The program will run from July 14-25 and is designed for youth who have shown interest or potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Youth will be compensated an hourly rate of $18 for approximately 50 hours. Transportation assistance will be available for participants.

Space Beach Camp will engage youth in a robust curriculum with dynamic learning opportunities and chances to network and connect with engineers, entrepreneurs and technical experts. Participants will tour aerospace companies and training facilities and enjoy behind-the-scenes workplace visits and technical field trips, as well as take part in panel discussions and one-on-one career coaching and engage in hands-on activities to cultivate a deeper understanding of the diverse career opportunities emerging within Long Beach’s nationally recognized Space Beach economy.

“We’re excited to launch the second Space Beach Camp, designed to ignite inspiration, provide stability and expand opportunity for our young residents of Long Beach,” said Economic Development Director Bo Martinez. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Rex Richardson, the City Council, our incredible industry partners and dedicated LBWIN team, this program continues to grow. Together, we’re empowering the next generation and shaping the future of Long Beach’s aerospace workforce.”

Space Beach Camp is supported by a one-time allocation of $300,000 approved by the Long Beach City Council as part of the adopted Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. These funds also support the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program, enabling paid internships in public service that strengthen municipal workforce pipelines and align with the City’s goal of engaging residents in hands‑on civic employment.

This program aligns with the City’s Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence. Highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations and the City’s summer activities calendar are available on the City’s Summer of Opportunity webpage.

For additional information about Space Beach Camp, people may visit the Department’s website at longbeach.gov/spacebeachcamp or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700.