Education nonprofits in Los Angeles work to address the city’s unique challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality education. The city’s network of dedicated nonprofits bridges gaps in access to education by providing vital resources and opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds.
The following four education nonprofits are especially notable for their effectiveness in boosting college graduation rates, financial literacy, life skills, and character development in at-risk youth. By enriching young people’s lives, these organizations play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of the Los Angeles community.
1. I Have a Dream Foundation – Los Angeles
3580 Wilshire Blvd #720, Los Angeles, 90010
The I Have a Dream Foundation – Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that provides long-term support to youth living in under-resourced communities in the city. It helps students from kindergarten through college, providing them with academic, social, and emotional support as well as guaranteed assistance with tuition.
I Have a Dream Foundation Programs
The foundation offers a range of programs that provide educational opportunities to children from 12 years old through to young people in college and beyond.
- Dreamer Scholars Program: This is the core program of the foundation, providing 12+ years of support to students from a single Title 1 school. The program includes academic tutoring, mentoring, cultural enrichment activities, and guaranteed college tuition assistance.
- College Success Program: This program helps students as they transition from high school to college, including academic support, financial assistance, and career counseling.
- Dreamer Alumni Program: This program provides ongoing support to graduates of the Dreamer Scholars Program, helping them navigate college, find internships, and launch their careers.
I Have a Dream Foundation’s Impact
Since its inception in 1981, the foundation has served over 200,000 Scholars and boasts the following impact:
- High school graduation rate: 90% of Dreamer Scholars graduate from high school, compared to 74% of low-income students nationally.
- College enrollment: Over 80% of Dreamer Scholars enroll in college, compared to the national average of 20% for low-income students.
- Increased earnings potential: Dreamer Scholars are expected to earn an average of $1 million more over their lifetimes than their peers.
The flow-on effects of one life changed through education can be significant. Alumni who have gone through college with the help of nonprofit organizations or scholarships often go on to become active participants in the cause—especially when an intelligent fundraising platform like Kindsight is used to keep program graduates updated about future campaigns. Contributing to one of the I Have a Dream Foundation’s programs now could impact the lives of dozens of individuals and families over the coming decades.
2. Create Now
1611 S Hope St, Los Angeles, 90015
Create Now is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that empowers youth facing adversity through creative arts mentoring and workshops. They work with young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, homelessness, or involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Here’s a breakdown of their key activities:
- Arts Workshops: Create Now provides a wide range of arts workshops, including:
- Visual arts
- Performing arts
- Literary arts
- Media arts
- Mentoring programs: The organization pairs youth with professional artists and mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
- Exhibitions and performances: Create Now provides opportunities for youth to showcase their artwork and perform for audiences, giving them a platform to express themselves and build confidence.
- Life skills development: Create Now also integrates life skills development into their programs. This helps young people develop essential skills for success in school, work, and life.
Create Now is a wonderful program that shows that not all lessons are learned in a formal, academic environment. The organization offers educational and holistic support to young people who may have been alienated from more traditional academic settings. Youth benefit from the creative outlet, supportive community, and skills they develop to build a brighter future.
3. The LEAP Foundation
2080 Century Park E UNIT 415, Los Angeles, 90067
The LEAP Foundation (Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership) is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through its LEAP Week motivational leadership program. LEAP Week brings high-school, college students, and recently graduated young adults together to focus on developing life skills, building character, and promoting academic success.
The LEAP Foundation’s key areas of focus include:
- Academic enrichment: LEAP provides academic support, tutoring, and mentorship programs designed to help students improve their grades, develop study skills, and prepare for college.
- Athletic development: The foundation offers a variety of sports programs and training opportunities that emphasize teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. They often use sports as a vehicle to teach important life lessons that can be applied in a range of situations.
- Leadership development: LEAP aims to develop leadership skills in young people through workshops, mentorship, and opportunities to take on leadership roles within their programs. This develops desirable skills that directly translate to success and motivation in the workplace.
- Life skills training: Their programs often incorporate life skills training, covering topics such as communication, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and career development.
The LEAP Foundation works to empower young people in Los Angeles by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in school, in sports, and in life. They aim to develop well-rounded individuals with strong character, leadership skills, and a commitment to academic excellence.
4. Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation
3818 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 1024, Los Angeles, CA 90008
The financial literacy program offered by Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation provides students with the knowledge to make informed decisions and understand the economic impact of real-world events on their lives and futures. The program also teaches students about budgeting, financial tips, and the ethics of working and earning compensation.
The foundation’s 2024 summer camp offered programs for middle school and high school students. Both programs focused on the understanding of fundamental concepts like financial planning, saving, and budgeting, with the advanced course taking in aspects of investing and risk management. The courses also focused on the link between financial stability and mental health.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation apart from donating. The foundation welcomes support from individuals and corporations in the form of:
- Volunteering: Individuals or businesses with knowledge and experience in financial literacy are encouraged to get involved to further their mission
- Mentorship: Sharing experience and insights helps young people navigate the complexities of financial management and gives them a friendly face to turn to with their questions or concerns.
- Corporate partnerships: Businesses play a vital role in developing the next generation of financially savvy young people.
- Raising awareness: Advocating for the foundation through social media engagement, peer-to-peer fundraising, or simply telling others about the foundation will have a profound impact on its reach.
The Importance of Financial Literacy for Stability and Prosperity
An impactful 2016 study into wealth disparity in Los Angeles found that white households had a median net worth of $355,000, compared to the $3,500 and $4,000 respective median net worths of Mexican and U.S. black families. Unfortunately, it seems that the wealth gap—and the inevitable access to opportunities that come with it—continues to this day.
Research published in 2024 reported that the difference in wealth between white and black households in the U.S. was an incredible $240,120. This underlines the huge impact financial literacy has on society. Nonprofit organizations like Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation seek to redress the disparities between races and put marginalized youth in good stead for a more prosperous future.
Educational Support Is Key to LA’s Future
LA’s education nonprofits are working tirelessly to provide young people with a hope-filled and prosperous future. Their diverse approaches, from early childhood development to college access and beyond, collectively contribute to a stronger, more equitable educational landscape for the city’s youth.
LA residents can make a huge difference by supporting these organizations financially and volunteering their time. Taking small, consistent actions to help young people work toward their goals transforms lives and empowers the next generation of leaders.
