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Name: Elite Skills Development
Telephone: (562) 244-9324

Click link to learn more...

September 11 - 18, 2025

We’re excited to announce Elite Skills Development is part of Long Beach Gives for the very first time!

Our EmpowerED: Life Skills for Success program helps youth ages 11–19 “Think With Their Hands” while learning sewing, cooking, tool use, first aid, etiquette, financial management and emergency preparedness. Donations are tax-deductible.

Here’s how you can help a student succeed:

$50 = Sewing kit and materials or STEM kit
$100 = Sewing kit + First Aid +Tool kit
$200 = Full 3-day supply kit (everything they need!)

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to cover supplies for our students. Every gift makes a lasting impact—students keep the supplies to continue practicing their new skills at home.

Donate today through Long Beach Gives and empower the next generation of leaders!

Donations may be made via a direct link, Credit Card, CashApp and Zelle.

See links below.

Direct LB Gives: Elite Skills

CashApp: $eliteskillsdev

Zelle: (562) 244-9324

Venmo: @Sharon-Jackson-19

Checks should be made payable to: Elite Skills

Development and mailed to 3515 Linden Ave #56

LB, CA 90807

Thank you for your support. Feel free to give me a call at 562 244-9324 if you have any questions.

Sincerely

Sharon Diggs-Jackson

Executive Director, Elite Skills Development

CONNECTING COMMUNITY TO NEEDED RESOURCES

Our Mission

Elite Skills Development (ESD) empowers underserved Long Beach youth by building essential life skills that foster independence, and strengthen pathways to financial stability.

Our Vision

Our programs support life skills and financial stability and ignites transformative change, equipping people to unlock their full potential and strengthen their communities."

EmpowerED was created in 2024 and has served 265 youth, ages 11 to 19. Every participant has been trained in basic meal preparation, operating six hand tools, standard sewing stitches, disaster preparedness, beginning first aid and financial literacy. Through the completion of this training participants have acquired skills that will benefit them as they move into adulthood.

Elite Skills Development’s Empowered is a program for youth ages 12 to 19 in Long Beach. Youth that increases the life skills and financial acumen of participants. Youth are paired with industry professionals and provided hands-on learning opportunities to prepare youth for navigating real-world challenges.

Participants attend four, four-hour workshops covering life management skills that include laundry, grocery shopping on a budget, upgrading cooking skills, basic home repairs, first aid, emergency preparedness, and financial literacy. Personal development growth includes managing social media presence, making tough decisions and setting boundaries and knowing when to say “No”.

EmpowerED:
Life Skills
for Success

Historic Black Cultural District
(HBCD)

The HBCD honors and maintains the heritage, traditions, and contributions of African Americans. It encompasses historically important locations like churches, schools, parks, libraries, and community centers, along with businesses and galleries that highlight Black art, music, literature, and cuisine.