Dear Partners,

We’re excited to introduce Systems Change Spotlight, an evolution of the L.A. Compact Connection newsletter that reflects the expansion of our work rooted in the L.A. Compact. What began as a bold commitment to address LAUSD’s dropout crisis and strengthen pathways between K-12 schools and careers has evolved to grow into a powerful catalyst for systems change. Over the years, the L.A. Compact has launched numerous initiatives addressing employment outcomes for transition-age foster youth; K-12 educator training; free, two-year college; remedial education; transfer reform; digital equity; and student-centered community schools.

UNITE-LA held its biannual Health Care Virtual Career Fair in March. During the first hour, attendees heard from four employers, Cedars-Sinai, the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, Common Spirit and UCLA Health, who shared about their organizations and their entry-level job and internship opportunities.

Last month, UNITE-LA launched its eighth Step into Tech cohort with 18 participants.

UNITE-LA was honored to be invited by the California Workforce Development Board and the Foundation for California Community Colleges to present at the two-day Breaking Barriers site visit in late March.

Last month, UNITE-LA’s L.A. Youth at Work team hosted work-readiness certification sessions at various partner high schools throughout L.A., including the Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine at Linda Esperanza Marquez High School, Birmingham Charter High School, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School and Esteban Torres High School, serving more than 600 junior and senior students across the area who are preparing to pursue summer internship opportunities.

Last month, the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and the L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative (OYC) held the third Horizons 32K Stewardship Board meeting.

The LA DEAL team was thrilled to secure a technical assistance award from Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC's) Broadband Help Hub to aid in the development of the Community Broadband Network in Los Angeles County.

The Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL), convened by UNITE-LA and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), team members recently collaborated with 15 organizations from throughout Los Angeles County at the Jackie Robinson Community Center to help more than 400 residents affected by the recent wildfires by distributing free laptops and internet access as part of a major relief effort.

Last month, UNITE-LA was with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in Detroit hosting the annual Education & Talent Convening for 30 dedicated education and workforce chamber professionals from across the country.

The Quality Start Los Angeles Dual Language Learner (DLL) Initiative is excited to re-launch its campaign “Two Languages, Twice the Opportunities,” this year, with lots of new additions!