More than 143,000 people, ages 16-24, are not connected to school or work in the Los Angeles region – a 21 percent increase since before the pandemic. Regional leaders of K-12, postsecondary, workforce, youth development and social safety net systems are coming together to renew and reimagine a joint strategic plan to reduce youth disconnection by 32,000 by 2028.

The Los Angeles Performance Partnership Pilot (LAP3) stems from the 2015 federal investment in an unprecedented effort in Los Angeles to coordinate and integrate the delivery of education, workforce and social services to disconnected youth, ages 16-24. This original investment saw a decrease in youth disconnection between 2017-19. Unfortunately, challenges brought on by the pandemic erased the gains of connection for youth. In 2021, more than 25,000 additional 16- to 24-year-olds were reported as disconnected from school and work in Los Angeles compared to 2019. In response, UNITE-LA, New Ways to Work and the OYC are reconvening leaders to renew the LAP3 strategic plan, reaffirming our commitment to transforming systems and improving Opportunity Youth outcomes.

On Aug. 23, 2023, more than 83 public and private agencies convened for a preliminary review of the drafted goals and strategies of the new LAP3 strategic plan. During this event, partners were refreshed on the history and timeline of the LAP3, listened to two panels of system collaborators and youth leaders on the highs and lows of cross-sector collaboration and power sharing, and introduced drafted goals and strategies aimed at the efforts to reduce youth disconnection in L.A. County between 2024-28. For several hours, partners completed a gallery walk and were prompted to rank the importance of strategies, make adjustments to language and provide additional ideas missed by the stewardship committee. As a result of this day, we are one step closer to finalizing the strategic plan.

For more information, please reach out to Amber Chatman, Director of Workforce Systems and Policy, at [email protected] or Edgar Castillo, Senior Manager of Workforce Development Systems and Policy, at [email protected].