Young people map their future at Built By Us’ summit

Wave Staff Report

SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of young people converged on the Beehive Oct. 16 for the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development’s annual Youth Summit.

“This year’s theme, ‘Built By Us,’ is about a simple truth: programs only work if they actually make sense for the young people we serve,” said Department of Youth Development Director David J. Carroll. “If we want stronger, more resilient communities, it starts with listening to and empowering youth. When we give young people real support and practical tools, they do better in school, feel more secure, and grow into successful adults.”

The free community event brought together nearly 800 youth for live music, artistic creation, stage performances, and interactive hands-on workshops.

Session topics included Build Your Future: Turning Ideas Into Opportunity, Build Your Platform: Turn Your Content Into Your Brand, Build Through Art, Build in 3D: Intro to 3D Printing Design, and Building the Continuum: DYD’s Care-First Approach to Youth Justice — an overview of Department of Youth Development’s approach to supporting system-involved youth across the youth justice continuum, from arrest and detention through reentry.

The summit featured a keynote address by Better Days Founder and Executive Director Jarrett Harper, a lunchtime DJ session provided by 93.5 KDAY, and live performances by Los Angeles-based artists Chef Boy and Kalan.FrFr.

Since its founding in 2022, the county Department of Youth Development has empowered thousands of young people by partnering with community organizations to provide prevention, diversion and reentry programs — including mentorship, job training, and counseling — that keep youth out of the justice system and connected to education and opportunity.

The department’s newly released “Four Years of released Department of Youth Development impact report highlights 54,800 youth engagements through community-based programs, more than 1,200 youth diverted this year from the legal system, and a 95% success rate of participants moving forward after completing diversion programs.

The department’s Heart of Youth Justice Reimagined initiative has engaged more than 1,900 youth leaders in building community and shaping policy.