PACOIMA, Calif. — The Los Angeles mayor’s office launched a paid service job program to employ youth who have been economically affected by the pandemic.

The Angeleno Corps helps young adults earn a paycheck, get work experience and stay in school.

Corps member Jade Meza works in a community garden called Jardin Pacoima, just blocks from where she lives in Pacoima.

“There are a lot of buildings, so we don’t have as much green space here in the valley, so gardens like these are very helpful,” she said.

It also helps her to get paid. Meza is studying animal science at Pierce College. Working in her community helps her pay tuition and helps her family.

“It helps me to pay for school needs or personal needs such as food or hygiene products,” Meza said. “I think it’s really great.”

Over 400 youth ages 18 to 24 have joined the Angeleno Corps. The part-time work program for youth living in LA provides a $1,000 stipend.

Program director Hannah Lee said the program started last year to help young people recover from the economic pain of the pandemic.

“Many have had to drop out of school, or get part-time jobs to support their family,” Lee said. “Our program is a paid program and our hope is that students will stay engaged in school and also gain paid work experience which is a really big deal for students of low-income populations who may wouldn’t have that opportunity to gain that experience.” 

Youth in the 10-month program choose jobs in four categories: education and child care, digital equity, immigration and environmental justice.

Meza chose environmental justice as the best way for her to serve others.

“I think it’s totally great that I can give back and help as well,” she said.

Anyone interested in joining the corps can apply in April. The second year of the program will start in September.