As UNITE-LA’s Funder Spotlight of the Month, we are proud to recognize ECMC Foundation for its steadfast commitment to expanding pathways to postsecondary and career success for all learners. Through two significant recent investments in UNITE-LA’s work, ECMC is helping advance systems change that removes barriers and expands opportunity for students across California.

Last month, UNITE-LA brought together employers, training providers and job seekers for our Tech Career Fair focused on connecting Angelenos with career opportunities across Los Angeles County. Participants heard from Delete the Divide about opportunities in digital equity and technology, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California about careers in the water sector and Per Scholas about free technology training programs that prepare participants for careers in IT, cybersecurity and other in-demand fields.

We are grateful to the 47 California business organizations that joined UNITE-LA in opposing proposed changes to Head Start.

UNITE-LA is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Brazil-California Chamber of Commerce (BCCC), a nonprofit business organization that promotes commercial, professional and cultural ties between Brazil and California and supports companies and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border business.

The Los Angeles Unified Community Schools Steering Committee (CSSC), co-convened by UNITE-LA, kicked off its 2026–27 term in September with a focus on strengthening school-site decision-making, supporting effective implementation of project- and community-based learning, advancing professional development across all 70 sites and planning for the long-term sustainability of the Community Schools Initiative (CSI).

The new term comes as California invests $1 billion in ongoing funding for the California Community Schools Partnership Program, supporting existing community schools and expanding the model to new eligible school sites. The funding was established through Assembly Bill 126, signed into law on July 9, 2026.

UNITE-LA is launching a new mentoring pilot for 12th-grade foster youth in partnership with United Friends of the Children. Four college-going foster youth mentors are being trained to provide one-on-one support throughout the academic year, helping students navigate college planning, financial aid and key decisions on the path to postsecondary education.

On Sept. 17, the L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative launched a new series of regional partner convenings, bringing together partners from all five subregions to reconnect, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. Designed in response to partner feedback, the convenings create a shared space for K–12, community college, university and regional partners to learn from work happening across the broader K–16 ecosystem.

On Sept. 14, the L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative, in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), hosted Building Health Care Pathways Together, a virtual employer engagement session connecting K–16 partners with CHLA leaders to explore how education and industry can better prepare students for the region’s growing health care workforce.

In September, UNITE-LA participated in the Mayor’s Environmental Stakeholders convening to support implementation of the Mayor’s Climate Action Plan and advance cross-sector collaboration around Los Angeles’ climate and economic priorities.

The discussion focused on strengthening alignment with the Mayor’s Office and identifying high-impact climate goals. UNITE-LA emphasized the importance of connecting climate action with workforce development by building talent pipelines for the region’s growing green economy and climate resilience efforts, including through the LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy.

UNITE-LA is proud to recognize JPMorganChase for more than a decade of investment in preparing Los Angeles youth for high-growth careers.