UNITE-LA played a crucial role in passing Senate Bill 1143 (Liu), leading to the establishment of the California Community College (CCC) Student Taskforce (SSTF). UNITE-LA advocated for an outcomes-based funding formula, motivating colleges to boost completion rates for students of color! Thanks to the taskforce’s work, we now have the CCC Student Success Scorecard and Associate Degree Transfer pathways.

“I had a great experience with this program...I now understand the challenges and accomplishments that health care careers have to offer. Overall, my goals for Public Health/Policy have definitely been impacted in a positive way!”

- MPTH Participant

This month, UNITE-LA is shining a bright light on our longtime partners at the Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD). In 2013, the Los Angeles Mayor and L.A. City Council launched EWDD as a modern, more efficient way for people to do business in the City of Los Angeles and to create more economically vibrant neighborhoods. (Prior to July 2013, EWDD's workforce and business functions were part of the city's Community Development Department.)

Led by Carolyn Hull, General Manager, EWDD provides a broad range of programs including business support, employment and youth development. These programs help grow and improve L.A.'s economy while building a well-trained, job-ready workforce. From Hire LA's Youth to South L.A. Scholars to L.A. Cash for College, their support is invaluable to not only UNITE-LA, but also to the youth we serve! Read on to find out all the ways EWDD partners with UNITE-LA for continued success around advancing goals for our youth!

This month's partner spotlight belongs to the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)! At its helm is Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez, a dedicated UNITE-LA board member, serving as our Board Chair, and a fierce UNITE-LA champion! An inspirational leader and speaker, he leads a team of strategic thought partners who serve as collaborators in improving access to and outcomes in higher education.

Last month, UNITE-LA partnered with Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA) to launch the "Two Languages, Twice the Opportunities" media campaign in English, Spanish and Chinese. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage and support families who speak more than one language at home and to promote the benefits of bilingualism for children and families. This campaign is part of a larger collaborative effort among UNITE-LA, First 5 LA, Early Edge CA, LACOE and The Child Care Alliance Los Angeles to support dual language learners throughout L.A. County.

In May, UNITE-LA President, Alysia Bell, and Senior Vice President of Education Policy and Public Affairs, Sonia Campos-Rivera, met with Freshmen Assemblymember, Josh Lowenthal (Assembly District 69: Signal Hill, Long Beach, Catalina Island and Carson). The member shared AB 10, which is a bill looking to ensure Local Education Agencies are being proactive in educating their students and families about the impacts and resources around body shaming.

Last month, UNITE-LA joined the Dual Language Learners (DLL) coalition in a visit to Westminster to observe Spanish dual immersion infant and toddler classrooms, as well as PreK and TK Vietnamese dual immersion classrooms.

UNITE-LA was pleased to support the REAL EDWD Committee's annual State Elected session, which included discussions with Sen. Josh Newman, Sen. Anthony Portantino, and Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Mike Fong, Sophia Kwong Kim. The elected expressed appreciation for the Coalition's efforts to uplift equitable Education and Workforce legislation and flagged additional bills for potential support, such as AB 1540 (Fong) - Streamlining Financial Aid for Undocumented Students.

The California State Legislature approved a $310 billion 2023-24 state budget, which was signed by Gov. Newsom.

We applaud the REAL Coalition for issuing three Education & Workforce Development related support letters recently.