In collaboration with L.A. Conservation Corps, EWDD is seeking to hire 127 young Angelenos through the Hire LA’s Youth program to become L.A. River Rangers. The program, managed by the Corps, offers 18 to 30 year olds 12 months of full-time employment, providing critical maintenance and operation services along the 18 miles where the L.A. River flows through Los Angeles County.
The program gives participants education, training and employment opportunities and allows them to improve local communities. “We are not just cleaning the river, we are improving walkways, bypasses and parks along the river, so this will have a positive impact on the communities surrounding it,” said L.A. Conservation Corps Program Director Karla Ramos.
At the conclusion of their time with the program, participants are granted a pathway to a full-time career with the City of L.A. Below are the stories of two participants who joined the program.
GENESIS
Around the time of her high school graduation, Genesis didn’t have a job lined up. That is until her high school principal told her about the L.A. Conservation Corps.
After learning how the program helps fund participants’ college education, Genesis applied through Hire LA’s Youth to become a Corps’ L.A. River Ranger.
During her on-the-job training and continued employment, Genesis received OSHA and CPR certifications. She has also acquired workforce skills and received assistance signing up for colleges. Genesis hopes to study aviation mechanics and begin her college courses in August 2023.
After learning how the program helps fund participants’ college education, Genesis applied through Hire LA’s Youth to become a Corps’ L.A. River Ranger.
During her on-the-job training and continued employment, Genesis received OSHA and CPR certifications. She has also acquired workforce skills and received assistance signing up for colleges. Genesis hopes to study aviation mechanics and begin her college courses in August 2023.
JENNIFER
In 2022, Jennifer needed a job in order to provide for herself and her son. Upon hearing from a friend that had experience working as an L.A. River Ranger, Jennifer submitted her application and was then hired within two weeks.
The program not only provided Jennifer with a stable income, but she also received guidance from her managers so she could get her driver's license. They also helped her enroll at Saito High School, which will allow her to complete her high school education since she had to drop out of high school due to getting pregnant at a young age. Jennifer plans to continue working with the Corps, where she was offered a driver position. She will be graduating high school in December 2023.
The program not only provided Jennifer with a stable income, but she also received guidance from her managers so she could get her driver's license. They also helped her enroll at Saito High School, which will allow her to complete her high school education since she had to drop out of high school due to getting pregnant at a young age. Jennifer plans to continue working with the Corps, where she was offered a driver position. She will be graduating high school in December 2023.
Learn more about the many programs and benefits offered to the young people of Los Angeles through EWDD Youth Services and the YouthSource Centers, and the Hire LA's Youth program.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of July 17, 2023. Read this issue and more.