Building on the momentum and impact of 2025–26, UNITE-LA’s College Access team is expanding its focus in 2026–27 to reach more students and strengthen support for financial-aid completion and postsecondary transitions across L.A. County. Last year, the team reached 4,060 unduplicated students, 85 percent of whom were first-generation college students, through 119 Cash for College workshops and events, providing financial-aid awareness, hands-on FAFSA/CADAA assistance and scholarship guidance. This included a new partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) alternative education division, with three continuation schools supported through the partnership recently recognized by the state for having the most improved financial-aid completion rates.

Last month, UNITE-LA, the Bay Area Council and Jobs for the Future (JFF) convened business leaders at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Annual Convention to discuss how shifting immigration policies and increased federal enforcement are affecting California’s workers, employers and small businesses.

UNITE-LA is once again leading business engagement for the Golden State for Kids campaign, working alongside a statewide coalition of early care and education advocates. From Oct. 19-23, we’ll host the second annual Child Care Backs My Biz Week, highlighting the essential role child care plays in supporting workers, businesses and California’s economy.

In August, UNITE-LA joined education leaders from across California at the California Latino School Boards Association’s UNITY 2026 Conference in San José to explore the growing value of multilingualism in education, workforce and economic development.

UNITE-LA’s Immigrant Workforce Hub is highlighting perspectives from employers and business leaders on how immigrant workers strengthen businesses, support key industries and contribute to California’s economic growth.

UNITE-LA is expanding its work with the Social Benefit Navigator, extending access to the platform through December 2026. Originally planned for January through June, this extension allows UNITE-LA to continue using the Social Benefit Navigator to help participants navigate financial challenges that can disrupt their path toward economic mobility. By connecting participants to critical benefits and resources, including food assistance, Medi-Cal and other social supports, the tool helps provide a stronger safety net when unexpected financial pressures arise. These supports can be essential in helping participants meet their basic needs while continuing to pursue education, training and employment opportunities.

UNITE-LA joined the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) and the Southern California Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) in co-hosting July’s SCAN Mixer, bringing together employers, industry leaders and workforce partners to strengthen connections and advance apprenticeship opportunities across the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

UNITE-LA CELEBRATES FIRST COHORT OF CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC MOBILITY FELLOWS ADVANCING JOB QUALITY ACROSS THE STATE

Pilot initiative equips affinity chambers to drive workforce innovation and economic mobility for frontline workers

UNITE-LA recently joined LACI’s Road to 2028 Summit at Intuit Dome, showcasing the Los Angeles Regional Cleantech Career Academy at the Green Jobs Regional Partnership’s Training Talent Marketplace. The event brought together employers, industry leaders and workforce partners to explore how we can build the talent pipelines needed to support Los Angeles’ growing clean energy and transportation sectors.

Last month UNITE-LA’s My Pathway to Health (MPTH) participants took part in an immersive, hands-on learning experience at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world exposure, the experience helped participants build the skills, confidence and professional awareness needed to pursue careers in health care.