The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles today announced it has awarded $1 million to seven local nonprofits that address issues related to education equity.
The recipients are: Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club, Bridge Builders Foundation, EmpowHer Institute, Girls Club of Los Angeles, Heart of Los Angeles Youth Inc., and Social Justice Learning Institute and Special Needs Network.
The funding supports community-led organizations that connect students with strong mentors, focus on the specific needs of young people of color, increase access to health services for students of color and their families, and empower students to advocate for their educational needs.
“The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequities in our education system that disproportionately affect students of color who lack the resources to successfully learn remotely,” said Marvin I. Schotland, Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “This only widens an already-existing education gap which will result in a significant learning loss that will take years to address.”
The distributions are part of the institution’s General Community Grants, which focus on high-priority social issues locally. In recent years, these grants have addressed homelessness, overcoming barriers to employment, human trafficking, as well as sexual and domestic violence. This new round of awards also builds upon The Foundation’s Racial Equity Grants given last year.
