UCLA Labor Center reveals struggles of student workers in Los Angeles economy

The California Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact convened on August 15, 2025, to address critical issues affecting student workers in the state. The meeting featured a panel discussion led by representatives from the UCLA Labor Center and the Southeast LA County Workforce Development Board, focusing on the challenges faced by young workers balancing education and employment.

Hina Malik, director of the UCLA Labor Center, emphasized the importance of understanding the conditions under which young workers operate, particularly in light of their significant contributions to California's economy. She highlighted a decade-long study that revealed how early career experiences shape lifetime earnings, stressing the need to improve working conditions and wages for students.

The panel presented findings from a recent research project involving 139 surveys and 26 in-depth interviews with student workers across Los Angeles. The research indicated that many students are struggling financially, with 65% earning under $15,000 annually. A significant portion of respondents reported insufficient financial aid, with 63% stating that their aid did not meet their needs. The pressure to work while studying has led to increased anxiety and health issues, with many students forced to choose between academic commitments and job responsibilities.

The findings revealed that 85% of participants were full-time students, with two-thirds working more than 15 hours a week, often in low-wage, frontline jobs that do not align with their career aspirations. The panel noted that half of the surveyed students felt their jobs had no connection to their future career goals, highlighting a disconnect between education and employment opportunities.

To address these challenges, the panel proposed several recommendations, including enhancing academic flexibility, improving communication between faculty and students, and expanding financial support for student workers. They also suggested creating more career-aligned internship opportunities and implementing a statewide internship tax credit to incentivize small businesses to hire students.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to support student workers, ensuring they can thrive in both their academic and professional lives without compromising their health or financial stability. The committee plans to consider these recommendations as part of ongoing efforts to improve the economic conditions for California's young workforce.