Oakland Forward

What is Oakland Forward?

The City of Oakland was awarded $5.9 million of State funding to increase employment for youth and young adults ages 16-30 and to support Oakland’s recovery from the pandemic by providing year-round and/or summer employment opportunities. Thus, Oakland Forward was founded! 

Oakland Forward is a year-round employment and career development program that gives youth and young adults ages 16 to 30 the opportunity to build meaningful careers while contributing to their community. The program focuses on three essential areas: climate resilience, public service, and public safety. Participants receive paid work experience, professional training, and educational pathways that prepare them for long-term success. 

Since its launch in July 1, 2022, Oakland Forward has become a bridge between Oakland youth and the city’s future workforce needs. It combines hands-on learning, mentorship, and community projects, ensuring that participants gain not only practical skills but also the confidence and support to thrive. 

Oakland Forward Service Providers

The strength of Oakland Forward lies in its partnerships with community-based organizations and city departments, each offering unique opportunities for young people to grow: 

  • Civicorps helps youth disconnected from school or work earn credentials, develop professional skills, and prepare for jobs in the green economy through conservation career pathways. 

  • Lao Family Community Development offers “clean and green” employment programs, promoting climate resilience and improving conditions in key Oakland neighborhoods. 

  • Rising Sun provides hands-on climate action opportunities through Green House Calls, where youth deliver no-cost energy and water conservation services while gaining valuable professional development. 

  • Safe Passages supports predominantly African American and Latinx youth with coaching, counseling, and workforce experiences tied to arts, beautification, and environmental justice. 

  • The Unity Council delivers year-round green job training, resilience projects, and a Department of Labor–registered pre-apprenticeship program that leads to environmental certifications. 

  • Youth Employment Partnership engages work crews in neighborhood beautification, illegal dumping abatement, and traffic safety improvements aligned with the Safe Oakland Streets initiative. 

  • Oakland Public Works operates the OPW Academy, where trainees receive city employment training, professional development, and six months of full-time work experience in diverse public works divisions. 

Together, these partners provide a comprehensive network of support that combines skill-building with real-world experience. 

By the Numbers

As of August 2025, Oakland Forward’s impact is already significant and growing: 

  • More than 780 youth and young adults have participated since 2022 

  • Over 152,000 hours of service have been contributed to the City of Oakland 

  • More than 1,400 applications have been submitted to join the program 

  • Over 850 participants identify as low-income 

  • More than 170 participants are justice-involved 

  • 70 participants have faced housing insecurity, and 61 are foster youth or alumni 

  • More than 200 participants have transitioned into permanent employment 

  • Over 340 participants have enrolled in or plan to pursue higher education 

  • Nearly 360 participants are prepared to enter the public service workforce 

These numbers reflect the depth of the program’s reach, providing not only immediate opportunities but also long-term career pathways that strengthen Oakland’s workforce and community resilience. 

Client Success Stories

Behind every statistic and number are the individual stories of youth who have transformed their lives through Oakland Forward. 

One young participant at Civicorps began as a Conservation Intern in 2024. His organizational skills, computer science studies, and creative talents soon earned him a communications role, where he built social media calendars, created video content, and took on leadership responsibilities. He continued to earn professional certifications while demonstrating initiative, proving how Oakland Forward cultivates talent that benefits both participants and their host organizations. 

Another inspiring story comes from a veteran who joined Civicorps in 2024. He took on every opportunity: restoring trails with the East Bay Regional Park District, supporting operations teams, and even joining a wildfire crew in Oregon. His leadership extended to public advocacy, where he spoke at a board meeting in support of conservation programs. His journey culminated in acceptance to the California Conservation Corps’ Backcountry Trails Program, one of the most prestigious opportunities in the field. 

Brian, a veteran who joined Civicorps in May 2024, quickly became a standout in the program. From outdoor adventures and trail restoration with the East Bay Regional Park District to stepping in as an Operations Intern, his dedication and work ethic never wavered. In fall 2024, he served on a wildland fire crew in Oregon and later spoke at an EBRPD board meeting, helping pass a resolution supporting conservation careers. Recently, Brian was accepted into the prestigious California Conservation Corps’ Backcountry Trails Program, marking a major milestone in his journey. His story reflects how Civicorps empowers participants to grow, lead, and protect California’s natural spaces. 

Ms. A, a foster youth new to Oakland, joined Lao Family’s Youth Employment Program to gain stability and skills. After completing 40 hours of job-readiness training, she excelled during her internship at the Oakland Museum of California, where her leadership earned her a promotion to lead intern. Her growth in collaboration, reliability, and communication led to full-time employment at the museum as a Ticketing & Retail Associate. Ms. A’s journey highlights the program’s power to turn resilience into career success. 

These success stories embody the spirit of Oakland Forward: creating pathways where potential meets opportunity and young people step into roles that shape the future of Oakland. 

 

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