For the first time in its 74-year history, The Youth Center has earned national recognition as a 2026 Top Workplaces Industry Award winner, an honor that celebrates organizations that put their people first and create exceptional workplace cultures.
The award, presented by Energage, recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to employee engagement, workplace culture, and leadership. This national distinction marks an exciting milestone for The Youth Center, a nonprofit organization that has served children and families throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties since 1952.
For more than seven decades, The Youth Center has helped young people discover their passions, develop their potential, and build brighter futures. Today, the organization serves thousands of children annually through programs that include after-school enrichment, summer camps, STEM education, music, leadership development, and college and career readiness.
Behind every program, every opportunity, and every young life changed is a team of dedicated people who believe in the mission. This award recognizes the people behind the purpose. “For 74 years, The Youth Center has been changing lives in our community. Today, we are celebrating something equally important: the people who make that impact possible,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
“This is our first national Top Workplaces Industry Award, and it means so much because it reflects the voices of our own employees. We ask our team to bring their hearts, creativity, and energy to helping children thrive,” she said.
“We believe they deserve a workplace where they feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work, too. When we invest in our people, they can invest even more in our kids. This recognition belongs to our incredible team, past and present, who have helped make The Youth Center what it is today,” said Lumme.
The Top Workplaces program has a 19-year history of recognizing people-first organizations across the country and in more than 60 regional markets. Winners are determined through a research-backed employee engagement survey that measures key aspects of workplace culture, including employee experience, leadership, and organizational alignment.
Unlike awards based solely on applications or nominations, Top Workplaces recognition is rooted in employee feedback, making this achievement a meaningful reflection of the people who bring The Youth Center’s mission to life every day.
“At The Youth Center, we know that creating a positive environment for children starts with creating a positive environment for the people who serve them,” Lumme added. “As we approach our 75th anniversary in 2027, this recognition reminds us that our legacy is not just about how long we have served our community. It is about the people, relationships, and shared commitment that will carry our mission into the next generation.”
The national recognition comes as The Youth Center prepares to celebrate 75 years of service in 2027, marking a remarkable journey that began in 1952 and continues to create opportunities for the next generation.
About The Youth Center
Founded in 1952, Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc., doing business as The Youth Center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids find their passion and purpose in life.
For 74 years, The Youth Center has provided children and teens with opportunities to learn, explore their interests, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover their potential. Serving families across Orange and Los Angeles counties, the organization offers a wide range of programs, including after-school enrichment, summer camps, STEM education, music, leadership development, and college and career readiness.
As it approaches its 75th anniversary in 2027, The Youth Center remains committed to strengthening its community by investing in the potential of every child.
Learn more about The Youth Center through its official website and social media channels.
About Energage
Energage is a purpose-driven organization that helps employers build and strengthen workplace cultures through employee feedback, actionable insights, and credible employer recognition. Its Top Workplaces program celebrates organizations that prioritize employee engagement and create environments where people can thrive. Drawing on decades of workplace culture research and millions of employee survey responses, Energage helps organizations understand their strengths and build better workplaces.