
The Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (EmpowerLA) proudly presents the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference, a one-day event on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. designed to engage and inspire youth from across Los Angeles. This year’s event will welcome 100 young people, between the ages of 14-17, to dive into the role that the Neighborhood Council system plays in grassroots local democracy, attend learning sessions on ways to be civically engaged in the community, network with like-minded young leaders, engage with City leaders, and so much more!
EmpowerLA seeks to motivate young people to get involved with the Neighborhood Council system and intentionally shape their personal and professional futures. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local leaders on the power of youth voices, attend workshops, and get to know other young people in their community interested in a better Los Angeles. The event is free to attend, and breakfast and lunch will be provided to all attendees.
Youth interested in attending the 2026 EmpowerLA Conference will be asked to complete a short registration form. There is limited availability, so registration does not guarantee entry to the conference. The registration deadline is on Friday, April 24th.
Please contact Erica G. Doughty or Ava Marinelli, EmpowerLA Youth Conference Co-Chairs, with any questions.
Key Registration Dates
Please find the dates for the 2026 registration cycle listed below:
Registration Closes In:
View Timeline
Registration Opens
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Registration Closes
Friday, April 24, 2026
Notification of Acceptance
Early May 2026
Attendance Confirmation Deadline
Mid May 2026
Virtual Information Session
Late May 2026
2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference
Saturday, June 5, 2026
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
The 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference is available to any selected youth who is between the ages of 14-17 and has some sort of stakeholder status within the City of Los Angeles jurisdiction. Below are examples of what would constitute you as a stakeholder:
- If you live in Los Angeles
- If you go to school in Los Angeles
- If you volunteer in Los Angeles
- If you work in Los Angeles
- If you are a member of an institution in Los Angeles
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
Youth interested in participating in the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference must register by Friday, April 24, 2026.
Registration does not guarantee entry to the conference. Applications will undergo a lottery selection, and only 100 applicants will be selected to attend the event.
CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE
In early May, every applicant will receive an email notification about the status of their attendance.
If an applicant has been invited to attend the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference, an email response to confirm your attendance is required no later than mid-May.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference, we have answers! Check out the FAQs here.
View FAQs
Help Promote the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference!
To help us spread the word, our office has created an outreach toolkit with sample social media graphics and language, newsletter blurbs, and printable fliers. We would love your help in sharing the information with any high schools, youth organizations, or other partnerships in your community. Thank you in advance for your help in promoting the 2026 EmpowerLA Youth Conference!
2026 Outreach Toolkit Coming Soon!
2025 EmpowerLA Youth Conference Recap
Take a look back at the highlights and memorable moments from last year's event!
