The Workforce Systems team is excited to share the long-awaited release of Centering Youth, Strengthening Systems: A Case Study on Workforce Engagement for Opportunity Youth, developed by the L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative (OYC), of which UNITE-LA is a partner.

This report explores the systemic barriers that prevent opportunity youth from fully engaging in workforce development programs—such as limited outreach, confusing enrollment processes and misaligned services—and lifts up youth-informed solutions like warm handoffs and youth-centered program design.

We’re actively sharing these findings with city and county partners to inform improvements in youth workforce services and support system redesign efforts. This work reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive, accessible and culturally responsive workforce system in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact UNITE-LA’s Amber Chatman, director, Workforce Systems & Policy.