In celebration of innovative solutions to help break the cycle of poverty that can lead to homelessness and lifelong economic disparities for young adults, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe declared the month of February 2016 as “LeadersUp Month.”
Established by Starbucks and some of its leading US suppliers, LeadersUp is committed to closing the opportunity-divide that separates over 200,000 Angelenos ages 16-24 from viable career opportunities. To help make a scalable impact on the youth employment challenge, LeadersUp is joining Starbucks and the coalition of employers and community based organizations supporting the launch of the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative Opportunity Fair and Forum in Los Angeles County.
“Creating on ramps to career opportunities for our young adults is essential to alleviating the barriers to economic mobility that keep many families in poverty,” shared LeadersUp President, Jeffery Wallace. “It is an honor for February to be recognized as LeadersUp month and to work in solidarity with the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative and the countless organizations and businesses committed to solving this challenge.”
Supervisor Knabe presented scrolls to Blair Taylor, Chief Community Officer at Starbucks and President of the Starbucks Foundation, and Jeffrey Wallace, President of LeadersUp and his team.
“An opportunity is all these kids need—a chance to show their skills and to work hard,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Los Angeles County is proud to continue investing in our youth, because we know the positive impact they will make in their community and the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Thank you to all businesses and organizations across the region for giving our kids a chance to prove themselves and start their paths to a successful career.”
The 100,000 Opportunities Youth Job Fair and Forum will take place on Thursday, February 11 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To learn more about the initiative, please visit 100Kopportunities.org.