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
He helped legalize LA street vending. His fight for economic justice isn’t over
As CEO of Inclusive Action for the City, Rudy Espinoza supports street vendors, small businesses and undocumented workers in Los Angeles.
How a Koreatown kid grew up to become the first Korean American to lead LA’s Recs and Parks Department
Jimmy Kim started out as a junior lifeguard and now leads the department that seeks to give more people access to green spaces in Los Angeles.
Conoce a tu ‘mejor amiga de Boyle Heights’: la corredora que impulsa a su vecindario en línea
Metztli Garcia lleva a miles de seguidores a correr por Boyle Heights mientras destaca negocios locales, bienestar y educación financiera.
Meet your ‘Boyle Heights bestie,’ the runner uplifting her neighborhood online
Metztli Garcia takes thousands of followers on runs through Boyle Heights while highlighting local businesses, wellness and financial literacy.
Cómo una líder convirtió una lucha personal en sanación comunitaria
Fundada en 2017, Healing Urban Barrios lleva directamente a residentes de Lincoln Heights servicios de prevención de la violencia, reingreso tras la prisión y apoyo alimentario.
How a nonprofit leader turned personal struggle into community healing
Founded in 2017, Healing Urban Barrios brings violence prevention, reentry services and food support directly to Lincoln Heights residents.
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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