Long Beach Students Turn Ideas into Action Through Civic Changemakers Challenge

LBUSD students, Jerry Delgado from CAMS and Leah Traylor from Jordan High, are making a significant impact through the LA County Student Civic Changemakers Challenge, a year-long initiative organized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE).

The Student Civic Changemakers Challenge empowers high school students across Los Angeles County to research and propose solutions to social and educational issues. Driven by youth-led innovation, students are able to work collaboratively and develop practical solutions that will positively impact their community.

Both students also serve on the L.A. County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, representing the perspectives and experiences of high school students from Long Beach Unified. As council members, they provide insight on policies affecting students, assist in organizing events such as Student Empowerment Summits, and engage in leadership development throughout the school year.

As students representing Long Beach Unified in LACOE’s Superintendent Student Advisory Council, Delgado and Traylor were divided into teams and assigned to one of four areas, including climate action, digital well-being, and immigrant belonging. With the aid of mentors, Delgado and Traylor will conduct research and create a proposal to be presented at their showcase in June 2026 in front of a panel of expert judges.

Traylor had previously participated in the Student Advisory Council during the 2024-25 school year, where she attended LACOE council meetings and spoke about the importance of advocating not only for herself but also for students across the district.

Through their involvement in the Student Civic Changemakers Challenge, Jerry Delgado and Leah Traylor embody Vision 2035’s Graduate Portrait, becoming ethical problem solvers and true leaders.

Good luck to our student leaders as they continue this impactful work!