City Accepting Applications for Fourth Cohort of Long Beach Public Service Corps

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), a civic service initiative designed to build a pipeline of diverse, local talent committed to serving their communities. Through immersive placements in City departments, fellows contribute to real projects that advance Long Beach's priorities while gaining meaningful experience in public service. Applications are available online through Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

"The Long Beach Public Service Corps is about service, leadership and opportunity," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "We are creating pathways for young people to serve their community, contribute to meaningful work in City government, and build long-term careers in public service. This program is helping shape the next generation of civic leaders in Long Beach."

Facilitated by EDO's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, LBPSC provides local college students and recent graduates ages 18 to 30 with hands-on experience working in City government and the opportunity to explore careers in public service. The program fosters economic inclusion and expands opportunities for young people to develop successful career paths. Fellows will engage in training and workshops focused on public service sectors, such as budgeting, community engagement, policy development, sustainability and government operations. Additionally, fellows will gain exposure to City Council and commission meetings, career development activities and opportunities to connect with peers across departments, strengthening their identity as a unified cohort serving Long Beach.

The fourth cohort will include approximately 30 fellows selected through a competitive process. Priority will be given to senior-level students at California State University, Long Beach or California State University, Dominguez Hills, particularly those facing barriers to employment. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the LBPSC webpage.

"Here in Long Beach, public service is more than a pathway - it's a launchpad. We're creating dynamic, hands-on opportunities for young people to step into the workforce, discover purpose-driven careers and contribute to a thriving local economy," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "We are cultivating the future leaders of Long Beach and are excited by the promise and talent that this cohort will bring forward."

LBPSC also recognizes participants' economic needs. Prior cohorts have demonstrated that wages play a critical role in supporting basic living expenses such as rent, food and transportation, reinforcing the importance of paid service opportunities that reduce barriers to participation. In addition to wages, fellows may receive supportive services, such as transportation or professional clothing assistance, to help them fully participate in the program. Participants will be compensated $23 hourly for a maximum of 800 hours during the 2026 - 2027 academic year.

The LBPSC welcomed its first cohort in November 2023 with 50 students placed throughout various City departments as they engaged in a series of professional development workshops designed to highlight important topics in public service. The program later introduced its second cohort in 2024, followed by its third cohort in 2025.

The program is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the California Volunteers, Office of the Governor #CaliforniansForAII Youth Jobs Corps initiative, which strives to bring together youth across the state to help address urgent challenges in California's communities. This funding also supports other youth employment efforts coordinated by LBWIN, including public service internships and the Long Beach Urban Planning and Design Internship Program. The LBPSC is also supported by a one-time allocation of $300,000 that the Mayor and City Council approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

LBPSC is a collaborative effort between EDO, the Long Beach Human Resources Department and the City's legislative offices. EDO staff provides case management, payroll coordination and career services to support corpsmembers during and after the program, including job placement assistance and continued career guidance.

For additional information about LBPSC, those interested may visit the EDO website at longbeach.gov/psc or contact the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center at 562.570.4700.

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.