LA's BEST Receives $720,000 Grant for Digital Learning Program in Schools
LA's BEST Receives $720,000 Grant for Digital Bridges Initiative
In a significant move toward enhancing digital literacy among students, LA's BEST has been awarded a substantial grant of nearly $720,000 from the California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Adoption Account. This funding aims to kickstart the Digital Bridges Initiative across ten schools in Los Angeles, representing one of the largest grants in the organization's history.
The Digital Bridges Initiative is designed to bolster digital skills for approximately 2,000 students and their families. With a focus on hands-on technology training, students will receive age-appropriate education on vital topics, including digital citizenship, coding, robotics, media production, and various emerging technologies. In addition, parents and caregivers can look forward to developing their own skills in online safety, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and essential digital tools for both career enhancement and family needs.
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "As we set stronger guardrails around screen time, we also have to ensure students and families are not left behind in an increasingly digital world." He praised the Digital Bridges Initiative as an exemplary model of how to achieve balanced technology access.
Assemblymember Mark González, who represents several neighborhoods in Los Angeles, voiced his gratitude for the work carried out by LA's BEST. He highlighted the barriers to technology access faced by communities in Los Angeles, stressing that despite being home to cutting-edge technological innovation, many residents struggle to benefit from these advancements. With reliable internet access, low levels of digital literacy, and financial obstacles, technology remains out of reach for many.
"Access to reliable internet, low levels of digital literacy, and financial obstacles leave technology just outside of one's grasp," González noted. "I am incredibly grateful for the work that LA's BEST has put into bridging that divide, and I look forward to future partnerships as they expand their services with this grant!"
Michele Broadnax, President and CEO of LA's BEST, articulated the organization's commitment to educational justice by stating, "Ensuring digital fairness is fundamental to educational justice. Our community-focused approach prioritizes active listening to our students and their families, followed by the delivery of tailored resources, aligned with District policies." Broadnax expressed how this grant transforms their pledge into tangible technological empowerment throughout the communities served.
The funding will also cover in-classroom computing devices, qualifications for take-home devices, technical support for users, curriculum delivery, and family engagement to ensure successful program implementation. Support from various stakeholders, including state senators, assembly members, and county supervisors, has further solidified the initiative's foundation.
The participating schools in this groundbreaking initiative include:
- - 109th Elementary School
- - 112th Street Elementary School
- - Aurora Elementary School
- - Esperanza Elementary School
- - Hoover Street Elementary School
- - Dolores Huerta Elementary School
- - Menlo Avenue Elementary STEAM Magnet
- - Miller Elementary School
- - Sally Ride Elementary Smart Academy
- - Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School
LA's BEST is committed to providing no-cost, enriching programs before school, after school, and during the summer. Founded in 1988, this public-private partnership has grown to serve over 24,000 students annually at various LAUSD elementary campuses, helping children thrive through academic support, wellness, arts, social learning, and family engagement.
In conclusion, the Digital Bridges Initiative reflects LA's BEST's dedication to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that all students and their families in Los Angeles are well-equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. With robust support from government officials and a well-planned program structure, the future looks encouraging for these young learners and their communities.
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