In a recent newsletter, we mentioned UNITE-LA’s President, Alysia Bell, would be serving as co-chair of the CSN executive committee, effective July 1, 2024, and that time has come!

On July 11 and 12, UNITE-LA was thrilled to participate in the fifth annual Immigration Summit hosted by California Community Foundation (CCF) and held at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.

The UNITE-LA Policy team lost a policy consultant and dear friend, Tony Rice.

UNITE-LA, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA), hosted 19 LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy graduates in obtaining their GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green certification. This certification covers the "green gap" between standard trade skills and the new awareness required to implement sustainable and energy-efficient building practices successfully. This certification is valued by employer partners in real estate, construction, architecture and engineering, as well as by facilities and operations staff and college students interested in entering the building or construction industry.

This month’s partner spotlight belongs to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). CSAC has been a steadfast partner of UNITE-LA since our founding, working together to ensure L.A. area students have equitable access to financial aid information and abundant opportunities to complete applications to claim aid. Through our L.A. Cash for College partnership, we annually serve thousands of students and families in filling out the FAFSA or CADAA and providing scholarships and educational materials. As fierce advocates for students across the state, CSAC has also led in the development and equitable changes to financial aid programs that we are proud to support and encourage our partners to do the same. Thank you to the CSAC team for all you do!

This month’s partner spotlight belongs to the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges with a huge thank you to Kelly King (Executive Director of the Foundation and Chief Advancement Officer for the District) for graciously organizing and sponsoring the Supporting L.A.'s Parenting College Students event held at L.A. Valley College’s Family Resource Center in May.

UNITE-LA supported the R.E.A.L. Coalition’s Education and Workforce Development Committee meeting last month, which focused on discussing regional workforce development programs with potential for replication.

Our partners at New CA Coalition featured an interview with UNITE-LA’s Senior Vice President of Education Policy and Public Affairs, Sonia Campos-Rivera, in their publication recently, showcasing our work to uplift young Angelenos and promote economic mobility in the region.

Recently, members of our National Strategic Partnerships Team were in Baton Rouge, LA, for an annual meeting where chamber professionals who champion education and talent initiatives gathered from across the country. Together, this powerful brain trust discussed innovative solutions and emerging best practices, exploring the chamber's role in vital issues including public safety, child care and affordable housing.

UNITE-LA launched its sixth cohort of Step into Tech (the same day as My Pathway to Health) with 24 participants. The cohort ranges, with all levels of experience, and they dove into learning about and practicing social networking skills via speed-networking sessions, as well as an informative LinkedIn session. Career exploration in computer networking, cybersecurity and data science was a big hit.