Vision 2030 Work in action > Community Wellbeing

Readiness for life

Mentorship & Inclusion for Youth

YMCA – Long Beach, California, USA

ymca long beach

The Long Beach Youth Institute (YI) is a free, year-round program that equips low-income, culturally diverse youth with digital, academic, and leadership skills to enhance college and career readiness. Through a mix of wilderness retreats, summer tech camps, and year-round mentoring, young people gain hands-on experience in digital media, 3D printing, and project-based learning. In 2023/24, 450 youth participated, with 88% enrolling in post-secondary education, 98% graduating from high school, and 100% acquiring new digital skills. Alumni access paid internships, academic advising, and mental health services—building a strong pipeline for success in education and the workforce.