Strengthening Schools
We partner with local education agencies, including the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, to strengthen student outcomes and expand access to high-quality academic and career-connected learning opportunities.
Adolescent Literacy
Literacy provides the foundation for critical thinking, information evaluation and effective communication – all essential tools for navigating life. Middle and high school students have been left out of recent literacy efforts, so our resources target interventions to help adolescents gain literacy proficiency.
Expanded Learning
Students spend 80% of their time outside of school and how that time is spent is critical for positive youth development and building academic, social and life skills. High-quality expanded learning (i.e. out-of-school time, afterschool, summer school) programs also provide a safe, enriching environment and support for working families, yet three in five L.A. children lack access to quality programs. Through a newly formed intermediary, ExpandLA, we are working to ensure L.A.’s students have every opportunity to grow intellectually, artistically and physically.
Career Readiness
Students who participate in high-quality career pathways are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education and transition successfully into the workforce. Research shows that these programs strengthen academic achievement, increase graduation rates and better prepare students for college and careers. Making high school more relevant, engaging and connected to career opportunities through technical education and work-based learning is central to our goal of ensuring every student graduates with the academic, technical and durable skills needed to succeed.