The Citi Foundation and America's Promise Alliance selected 12 nonprofit organizations as recipients of the Youth Opportunity Fund

"The future competitiveness of America's cities hinges on the positive economic outcomes of our young people," said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. "We launched the Youth Opportunity Fund to support the innovative work of community partners who are helping low-income youth create the on-ramps that will lead towards career success."

"Partnerships, like those with the Citi Foundation and America's Promise Alliance with Youth Opportunity Fund organizations, will allow cities to connect even more of our most vulnerable young people to skills training, work experience and first-time paychecks," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "These opportunities will not only help put youth on a path to success but also benefit their families, our communities and our local economies."

• LOS ANGELES: In a joint effort with the Office of the Mayor and the Los Angeles Unified School District, UNITE-LA, an affiliate of the L.A. Chamber of Commerce, will provide youth with workforce readiness training and certification that may lead to paid summer employment opportunities at partner health care institutions.