Lower LA River Restoration and Access (LLARRA) Mentorship Program

DEADLINE TO APPLY 2/14/2026‍

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS! Are you a high school student interested in beginning or deepening your connection with the LA River? The LLARRA High School Mentorship program is part of a multi-year community-first investment that invites students to support reimagining the half-mile stretch of the river between Rosecrans Ave and Somerset Blvd. The mentorship will culminate in a student river research expo where students will share their research and proposed programs.

To learn more about the Lower LA River Restoration and Access project visit: southcoasttu.com/la-river-project.html
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Eligibility:
- Interest in the LA River
- 9-12th grade
- Parent/guardian permission to participate
- No prior experience is required

Students Will Gain:
- Hands-on research experience focused on the LA River
- Meet 1-on-1 with experts to inform your research and learning
- Material you can use for college or scholarship applications
- $250 stipend
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Program Expectations: (designed to be flexible + meaningful)
- 4 all-students virtual meetings
- 2 in-person river meetings
- 2 1-on-1 progress check-ins
- 1 fieldtrip (optional)
- 4 drop in work sessions (optional)
- 1 River Research Expo + Award Ceremony

Apply Now!

DEADLINE TO APPLY 2/14/2026‍

FAQ:
What happens if I can’t attend a meeting?
We understand that life happens! Students are expected to be present during the final in-person research expo and attend the majority of scheduled meetings. When possible, students are encouraged to communicate absences in advance.

When and how will my stipend be disbursed?
Each student will receive their $250 stipend immediately upon successful completion of the mentorship program. Stipends will be distributed via a method that works best for the student and their family.

Does it matter what high school I go to?
Any 9-12th grade student interested in the LA River is encouraged to apply! Preference will be given to students who live in the surrounding community to the LLARRA site or have ancestral connections to the Lower Los Angeles River. This includes but is not limited to the cities of Paramount, Compton, Lynwood, Long Beach, Maywood, Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, South Gate, and unincorporated East Rancho Dominguez.

For additional questions, email Briana Villaverde at briana@just4la.org.