Long Beach Gives 2026

10 Young Adults. 10 Career Pathways.

This September, Merge Opportunities is raising $25,000 to help 10 underserved and system-impacted young adults build sustainable careers.

Merge Opportunities Long Beach Gives 2026 campaign
Campaign Goal $25,000
Early Giving September 17
Long Beach Gives Day September 24
Why This Campaign Matters

A career is about more than finding a job.

Many of the young adults Merge serves are transitioning from foster care, navigating the justice system, or growing up without access to career training and professional networks.

This campaign supports the full pathway from preparation and training to employment and long-term success.

Talent is everywhere. Access to opportunity is not.

Your support helps close that gap.
What Your Support Makes Possible

Support for the full career journey.

Every contribution helps participants prepare, build skills, overcome barriers, connect with employers, and succeed after placement.

01

Training & Certifications

Hands-on training and credentials in high-demand industries.

02

Career Coaching & Mentorship

Personalized guidance, professional development, and support.

03

Removing Barriers

Transportation assistance and resources that help participants succeed.

04

Employer Connections

Introductions to hiring partners, apprenticeships, and industry leaders.

05

Job Placement

Connecting prepared candidates with sustainable careers.

06

Post-Placement Support

Continued coaching that strengthens retention and career growth.

The Campaign Goal

Turn community support into career pathways.

$25,000 Campaign Goal
10 Young Adults
10 Career Pathways
Cameron, a Merge Opportunities participant working toward a career in carpentry
Cameron's Story

Building a pathway into carpentry.

Cameron came to Merge looking for direction. Through career support and apprenticeship connections, he is now gaining experience and working toward becoming a carpenter.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in right now without Merge.”

Cameron, Merge participant
Why Merge

Career preparation built around the whole person.

Founded and headquartered in Long Beach, Merge Opportunities prepares underserved and system-impacted young adults ages 18–28 for sustainable careers.

Through training, apprenticeships, employer partnerships, career coaching, and continued support, Merge helps participants build careers while helping employers find prepared talent.

450+ Young adults placed since 2023
Strong Partner Network Employers, training providers, and community organizations
2 Counties Serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Partnership in Action

Edwin turned training into an apprenticeship.

After completing the Constructing Success Academy and earning his MC3 certification, Edwin secured one of 40 spots in the Western States Carpenters Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp.

He graduated at the top of his class and entered the Carpenters Union as an apprentice, showing what becomes possible when persistence meets strong community partnerships.

Edwin during his construction trades training and apprenticeship journey
Ways to Help

Choose how you want to open a door.

Give, fundraise, make an introduction, or share the campaign with your network.

Give

Make a Gift

Support Merge directly through Long Beach Gives.

Donate →
Share

Share the Campaign

Send the campaign to colleagues, friends, and family.

Help Create the Next Career Pathway.

One opportunity can change the course of a young person’s future.