Dirtbags Academy is a 12-week, hands-on workforce development program designed for individuals 18 and older who are justice-involved or have experience in the foster care system. As the mentorship and skill-building branch of Dirtbags California, the Academy provides participants with exposure to five different trades, offering meaningful career exploration and real-world experience.

Through a combination of structured training, project-based learning, and direct mentorship from CEOs and business professionals, participants gain both technical skills and professional guidance. The program also serves as a pre-apprenticeship pathway, preparing students for long-term employment opportunities in the skilled trades.

Dirtbags Academy creates a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, develop practical skills, and establish connections that lead to sustainable career paths. Each week is designed to equip students not only with hands-on experience, but also with the tools, mentorship, and mindset needed to succeed in the workforce and beyond.

Dirtbags Do Good is a community engagement initiative that brings together youth, neighbors, and local partners to make a positive impact across Long Beach. Each month, the Dirtbags team joins a local community effort, whether it’s a neighborhood clean-up, a soup kitchen, or another volunteer event, to give back where it’s needed most. Through hands-on service, participants build teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. More than just volunteering, Dirtbags Do Good is a movement that shows how small actions, done together, create lasting change.