For 20 years, the Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center has served as a hub for young people on the Eastside and beyond.
The facility offers employment opportunities and pathways for academic growth for people ages 14 to 30 and currently serves about 375 participants through its programs.
Leslie Mendez is a former youth participant who now works as a case manager. She said she’s excited about the future of the center.
“Just seeing more students go through our program, more students reaching their goals, more students joining the network of our alumni, and seeing ways that they can give back to the community. I think that’s what I look forward to,” Mendez said.
In September, an anniversary celebration welcomed local leaders, including state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents the 14th District, and a representative from the office of Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. They presented certificates recognizing the center’s work in the community. The center also honored former participants who now work in and around Boyle Heights, and had performances by local artists, including hip-hop artist Mescal Miranda and Chicano soul musician MKY.
Joe Diaz, the center’s community liaison, has lived in the area for 26 years and has worked at the Tech Center since it opened. He said the facility has helped change Gless Street’s negative reputation and created a space that connects young people with more opportunities.
“Now to see us celebrating 20 years of the facility here at the Tech Center. You know, what it means to me, it’s just the meaning of hope, and opportunities, and chances that come out of here,” Diaz said.
One of its many programs supporting local youth is the free Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. With guidance from the center’s case managers, participants can explore certified training programs and employment support, including paid internships, resume building and mock job interviews.
“We have not only a dedicated, passionate team of case managers, but they’re more like experts when it comes to helping them navigate their educational and employment goals,” said Julio Cruz, director of the Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center.
The center also partners with Propel America to offer participants a pathway into the medical field through its medical assistant training program. In partnership with Hard N Da Paint, also known as HNDP LA, participants can take part in music production and breakdancing programs.
The center recently launched its College Ready series, which takes high school seniors on tours of college campuses across California and hosts workshops designed to ease their transition to college. Two schools are also housed at the Tech Center: Five Keys Charter School and Tri-C Community Day School. Both serve students ages 16 to 24, who can also participate in the center’s programs.
“For us, the future is about continuing what we’ve grown in the last 20 years, bringing on more young adults to become participants, become case managers with the program and being employed 20 years from now,” said Diaz.