Los Angeles YouthSource Centers

In July 2012, the City of Los Angeles formally approved 13 YouthSource Centers as “Drop-Out Recovery Centers” with a certified LAUSD Pupil Services and Attendance counselor co-located in each Center. Since then, the number of YouthSource Centers has increased to16. The following are accomplishments documented after the YouthSource system’s first year of program implementation (July 1, 2012–June 30, 2013):

• 8,534 young adults used the YouthSource Centers.

This number represents young adults ages 16 through 24, although the majority were 18 or older. These young adults came through the door seeking education and job training assistance in their communities. Each was provided with a program overview and an opportunity to meet with an LAUSD counselor and staff to review progress toward high school completion. Some also received information and support related to employment options.

• 5,394 young adults received academic advisement from an LAUSD counselor.

The young adults met with an LAUSD counselor to review their transcripts and to get a better understanding of the remaining credits they needed to graduate. They also received guidance about developing an education plan to successfully complete their secondary education.

• 2,910 young adults enrolled into the YouthSource System.

This number represents youth who formally enrolled in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Investment Act-funded youth training program. Each participant received 12 months of intensive education and job training assistance, which included paid work experience, work readiness, career exploration and guidance, occupational skills training, tutoring, computer training, college preparation, mentoring, and alternative high school services.

• 972 high school dropouts were successfully recovered and returned to school.

These young people were recovered by the YouthSource System, returned to school, and enrolled in one of the YouthSource Centers.

• The YouthSource System has accessed additional sources of funds to serve an estimated 1,000 youth who are out-of-school through the Community Development Block Grant, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

• $12 million grant was secured to expand the city’s Dropout Recovery System.

The U.S. Department of Labor identified Los Angeles as an awardee of the Workforce Innovation Grant to serve an additional 1,200 youth and young adults over a three-year period. The additional funds supported the creation of three additional YouthSource Centers, expanding the system to 16 Centers citywide.

• 1,243 LAUSD dropouts were recovered during the 5th annual Student Recovery Day.

The YouthSource System partnered with LAUSD on September 14, 2012, to conduct door-to-door home visits in an effort to provide youth and their families with a myriad of city resources and to bring them back to school.