“Last year more than 100 young people sought participation in the Long Beach Youth Academy. This infusion of money will open the door to 120 more youth who need opportunities and positive reinforcement,” said Congresswoman Richardson. “It will offer young people who previously saw little hope for decent gainful employment to now new options and productive goals. My continued support of this program comes from my belief that regardless of the circumstances internal and external of a youth’s life, opportunity must exist to get him or her on the right path to be a contributing member of society.”

 

WIB will use the grant funds to provide education, employment and mentoring opportunities for 120 youths between the ages of 14 and 18.  WIB provides a comprehensive approach to serving youth released from local juvenile justice facilities and is organized to ensure smooth transitions for young people returning to and staying in secondary school, engaging in employment and training activities and receiving mentoring services by older peers enrolled at local colleges and universities.

 

“By funding this program, we are continuing to make sure our children have a fair chance at life and positive alternatives to gangs and boredom,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “It is time we all realize, there are no broken youth, only broken systems.”