The future of LA journalism is here.
Meet our talented high school students from across Los Angeles. Our program trains students to report and write about the issues that matter most in their neighborhoods.
The Boyle Heights Beat youth journalism program began 15 years ago with a mission to produce local news “por y para la comunidad.” Today, this model of community-first, youth-powered journalism is being replicated in new community newsrooms across Los Angeles.
Youth Journalism Program
A pathway to college, careers, and community leadership.
For 15 years, Boyle Heights Beat has demonstrated what’s possible when young people lead the storytelling of their own communities. Today, that legacy has expanded across Los Angeles through The LA Local. We operate three cohorts in Boyle Heights; Koreatown, Pico-Union, and Westlake; and South LA and Inglewood. Students produce powerful journalism rooted in their neighborhoods, and alumni often describe the program as foundational to their confidence, their voice, and their civic engagement.
300+
Alumni spanning 15 years, many of whom have pursued journalism as a career.
1000+
Stories published by youth journalists since program began.
100%
Class of 2025 admitted into a 4-year university.
Student Stories
Koreatown’s About Time Cafe makes good coffee and greater impact for the community
The cafe serves the usual drinks and sweet treats popular on TikTok, but the Koreatown cafe also provides job training for unhoused people.
Q&A: Youth reporters interviewed Ernesto Castillo of the Inglewood Board of Education
Ernesto Castillo is the first Latino elected to the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Education.
Protesting immigration raids is a choice. He gives his students the tools to decide
In the time of immigration raids, a history teacher provides his students the knowledge about community organizing and activism.
Q&A: Organizing with the LA Tenants Union in Koreatown is about ‘giving and receiving’
Fernando Isaí joined the LA Tenants Union Koreatown chapter as an interpreter because a coworker needed help navigating an eviction process.
In East LA, this luchadora is helping create the change she wanted to see
As Delilah Doom, Sarah Greaves-Pedraja is helping carve out space for women in lucha libre.
Inglewood’s Lovejoy Foundation gives pets a second shot at life
For the last decade, Erin Lovejoy’s passion has saved thousands of abandoned or sheltered animals
The mentorship at BHB has played a huge role in shaping me as a person.
-Stephanie Perez, 2025 BHB alumna
Through BHB I become more professional and efficient in my writing. I felt like I was part of a community and over time, I became more confident and social.
-Destiny Ramirez, 2025 BHB alumna
BHB has helped me with my work ethic and confidence but has also helped me gain a purpose for my life.
-Reana Peña, 2025 BHB alumna
Boyle Heights and East LA
Our Boyle Heights and East LA youth team is currently made up of two cohorts that meet on different weekdays — one focused on print journalism and the other on multimedia. Returning students are trained to take on additional leadership as Documenters, attending public meetings to create news briefs and develop story pitches.
Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake
Our Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake cohort, a collaboration with the Koreatown Storytelling Project, launched its first student newsroom in September 2025. It begins with an oral history project featuring intergenerational interviews. From there, students transition to learning the basics of community-centered journalism and will report and write profiles on local businesses, organizations or residents. The program also includes art workshops and community events, giving students multiple ways to explore storytelling and civic engagement.
South LA and Inglewood
The South LA and Inglewood student cohort launches on January 28, 2026. Student meetings will be held weekly at the offices of our community partner, Brotherhood Crusade.
Ways to get involved
Donate
Support our nonprofit newsroom and help us build a more connected and informed Los Angeles.
Become a mentor
or volunteer
Guide the next generation of storytellers by sharing your skills and experience with our student journalists.
Apply to the Youth Journalism Program
Join other high school students in our after-school and summer education programs.
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