Long Beach Launches Third Round of Public Service Corps Program

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Participants in the Long Beach Public Service Corps engage in workshop activities focused on public service skills.

News Summary

Long Beach has announced the third round of the Long Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), offering paid internships to local youth aged 18 to 30. The program aims to provide practical experience in public service across various City departments. Applications are open until June 30, with special consideration for students from local universities and those facing employment barriers. Participants will earn $22 per hour and receive comprehensive professional development, enhancing their prospects for future public sector careers.

Long Beach has officially launched the third round of the Long Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), inviting applications from eligible local students and young adults. This program aims to provide paid internships in various City departments to help participants gain practical experience and explore career opportunities in public service.

The application period is open through Monday, June 30. Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and either current college students or recent graduates. Priorities for selection will be given to senior-level students from California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Dominguez Hills, students who are completing career technical education programs at Long Beach City College, as well as Long Beach residents who face employment barriers.

The LBPSC program is designed to create pathways for the next generation of local leaders. Selected participants will be compensated at a rate of $22 per hour for up to 800 hours during the 2025–26 academic year. Those chosen will engage in a range of professional development workshops emphasizing key public service topics including budgeting, community engagement, crisis management, sustainability, ethics, and policy-making.

The initiative is funded by a $2.5 million grant from California Volunteers’ #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps initiative and has also received a one-time budget allocation of $300,000 from Mayor Rex Richardson and the Long Beach City Council in the Fiscal Year 2024. The LBPSC is administered by the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center.

Since its inception, the program has successfully hosted two cohorts of interns. The first cohort, consisting of 50 students, began in November 2023, followed by a second cohort of 49 fellows starting in December 2024. Alumni of the program benefit from hiring preferences through the Long Beach Jobs Promise, which helps to foster a continuous pipeline of homegrown talent for local government positions.

Participants in the LBPSC will also receive additional support through case management, payroll coordination, job counseling, employment placement, and access to industry-recognized training. This holistic approach not only enhances their experience but also positions them effectively for future employment opportunities within the public sector.

The LBPSC is a collaborative effort involving the Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Bureau, the Long Beach Human Resources Department, and the City’s legislative offices. By promoting economic inclusion and expanding public service opportunities, the program aims to engage local youth in meaningful work experiences that benefit the community.

Interested individuals seeking more information about the application process or program details can visit longbeach.gov/psc or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562-570-4700. With the LBPSC, Long Beach continues to provide local youth with invaluable resources and experiences that pave the way for future career success in public service.