EDUCATION

Earn a High School Diploma and go to College

It’s all possible at our alternative high school program – MCD Academy.

We enroll new students age 16-24 every 5-8 weeks. Our high school program is located on campus at LA Trade Technical College. All incoming students co-enroll at the College, so our students have access to College courses plus the College library, computer lab, and many other resources.

At MCD Academy, we focus on project-based learning and we offer an expedited path to earn an accredited high school diploma with the YouthBuild Charter School of CA. Our students get involved in community service, leadership, and career preparation, and we have a Youth Policy Council – run by students, for students.

To get started, call us at (213) 743-6193 ext 203 or visit the VCN YouthSource Center, 1006 E. 28th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Map).

CAREER PREPARATION & JOBS

Join the South LA YouthBuild Program

This program is based on the nationally recognized model from YouthBuild USA. It gives young people a chance to earn a high school diploma, get training from LA Trade Technical College, and earn a credential in the field of construction. Youth also learn leadership skills, and give back to the community through service projects such as building affordable housing. Some youth also serve as AmeriCorps members, and earn educational awards/scholarships in exchange for their service to the community. MCD provides coaching, advocacy, support services such as bus tokens, career placement assistance, & follow-up services. The South LA YouthBuild Program is 75% funded by the US Department of Labor in the amount of $1,100,000 over 3 years.

Join the Vernon-Central Workforce Development Network

This program gives young people a chance to earn a high school diploma, get training from MCD Enterprises, and earn a credential in the field of construction. Youth also learn leadership skills, and give back to the community through service projects such as neighborhood beautification. MCD provides coaching, advocacy, support services such as bus tokens, career placement assistance, & follow-up services.

We can also help you find a job, whether it’s part-time while going to school, full-time, or a summer job. We can teach you how to prepare a resume, interview for a job, work as part of a team, and communicate with your supervisor. We can help you to explore career options or apply for college. You can also use our free computer lab!

To get started, please call (213) 743-6193 ex 203 or attend an orientation at the VCN YouthSource Center (Map).

JUSTICE SYSTEM PROGRAMS

Have you heard about Prop 47?

For certain types of felonies – such as petty theft under $950, you may be eligible to apply to have your conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Learn more here.

Do you have a juvenile justice case?

If you are between the ages of 14 and 24, and have been involved with juvenile probation in the last 12 months – you may be eligible for our Youth Futures program, which is funded by the Vera Institute of Justice. A Youth Advocate will help you set goals for your future and navigate legal challenges; receive support to complete your high school diploma, enroll in classes at LA Trade Technical College, and earn a credential in the construction field; participate in internships and job shadowing opportunities; choose a mentor; and give back to the community by working on projects to reduce violence in South LA. You can also earn a stipend for your participation! To learn more about Youth Futures, click here, stop by the VCN YouthSource Center, or call (213) 743-6193 ex 203.

Going to court for a misdemeanor?

MCD operates CURE, an alternative sentencing program for young people age 18-25 who are South LA residents. For certain types of non-violent misdemeanors, you may be eligible to pursue your own education and career goals with MCD instead of being sentenced to probation or jail. A Youth Advocate will assist you throughout the process. This is a collaborative project with the Los Angeles City Attorney and Los Angeles County Public Defender. To see if you qualify, please call Sal Ybarra at (213) 743-6193 ex 351.

Will your case be heard at the neighborhood court?

MCD is a site for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s new Neighborhood Justice Program. For certain types of low-level misdemeanors, individuals appear before a panel of peers at the VCN YouthSource Center instead of going to court. To learn more, please call Sal Ybarra at (213) 743-6193 ex 351.

CURRENT AND FORMER FOSTER YOUTH

Are you a current or former foster youth? 

MCD accepts current and former foster youth into all of our programs and also have programs designed to meet the specific needs of current and former foster youth.

JAG – Jobs for America’s Graduates

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a National Network which is designed to serve youth (ages 16-24) who have left the traditional school system and is interested in completing requirements for a high school diploma or attain a GED. The primary mission of this JAG Model program is to recover dropouts and to provide an array of counseling, employability and technical skills development, professional association, job development, and job placement services that will result in either a quality job leading to a career after graduation and/or enrollment in a postsecondary education and training program.

For more information about how to get your foster youth connected, please contact Daniel Dominguez  at ddominguez@coalitionrcd.org or (323) 336-5384.

Project Tipping Point

Named “Project Tipping Point” based on research that indicates that one year of full-time college credits and a post-secondary credential is the “tipping point” for huge increases in wage-earning potential for young adults, the program provides support for LA’s foster youth to successfully access college, earn postsecondary credentials in Liberal Arts or Transportation, and exit prepared to pursue ongoing higher education and/or careers, through the provision of a two-year, cohort-based academic program operated in partnership with LA Trade-Technical College.

For more information about how to get your foster youth connected, please contact LaNae Williams, Youth and Education Manager, at lwilliams@coalitionrcd.org or

RUTH’S PLACE: A Drop-in Center for Homeless Youth

et Help with Housing and Other Services

Ruth’s Place is our drop-in center for youth and young adults age 18-24 who need help finding stable housing. Ruth’s Place offers a safe space for youth and young adults to get housing assistance and support such as counseling, case management, recreational activities, access to our education & career prep programs, and jobs.

Apply for Housing  

MCD develops and owns a limited amount of rental housing for youth and young adults who have very low- or extremely low-income. Our apartments come with a lease, plus support services (which are voluntary) such as cooking classes, household budget workshops, access to our education & career prep programs, & help finding a job.

Learn more about MCD and our housing options at our housing information sessions that take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. For questions,  please call (323) 432-2440 or visit:

Ruth’s Place:
4775 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (Map).

To learn more about Ruth’s Place, and Ruth M. Teague, click here.

The VCN YouthSource Center is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles and is a WIOA Title I funded program is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.