LA County Department of Youth Development to host annual youth summit

This Friday, November 14, the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD) will host its annual “Rooted In Us” youth summit, a free, interactive event designed to uplift youth leadership and community empowerment. 

This year’s summit, taking place in South Central Los Angeles, will feature live performances, food, music, a youth resource fair and workshops co-led by youth and community partners on topics ranging from creative expression and financial literacy to justice and well-being.

The DYD  launched in July 2022, with the goal of investing in regional youth development networks and enhanced care coordination for system-involved youth. In collaboration with public agencies and community partners, DYD also connects young people and families to culturally responsive, trauma-informed support. 

In 2025, there will be approximately 990,000 youth (ages 6-17) in Los Angeles County and about 1.89 million children (under 18). The number of youth depends on the specific age range being used, but the overall child population in Los Angeles County is just under two million. 

As part of this year's summit, the DYD will host workshops and art-making activities, live mural painting, music creation with DJs and storytelling sessions. The event is free and open to all youth in Los Angeles. 

One of the workshops available for youth is “Rooted In Identity: Defining Youth,” which will look to challenge youth ideas about growing up and exploring the diverse journeys to adulthood. 

Another of the workshops available for youth is “Rooted In Justice: Know Your Rights,” a session led by youth leaders that will use real-life scenarios to make complex topics like immigration laws and knowing your rights relatable, equipping youth with practical resources to protect themselves and their community.  

One of the most anticipated workshops at the summit is “Rooted In Reality: Street Racing Kills,” which will inform youth on the true impact of reckless driving and street takeovers through powerful victim stories and reenactments, illustrating how choices made behind the wheel directly affect lives and future consequences.

For youth also interested in art-making activities, the summit will also feature live mural painting, where youth can sharpen their skills. Homeboy Art Academy and its team of youth ambassadors, led by renowned street artist Fabian Deborah, have designed a traveling mural for DYD. Youth can add their own artistic touch to the mural. 

The summit will take place on November 14, at The Beehive (961 East 61st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

To register, click here.