Thank you to our partners and sponsors: Valerie Cuevas, California Community Foundation, Karla Ruiz, Sobrato Philanthropies, Dr. Jose Posada, Los Angeles Unified School District, Gina Rodriguez,  First 5 LA, Azucena Hernandez, Promesa Boyle Heights, Ashley Tahay, Student Poet, Get Lit!

On October 26th, we hosted our first in-person Consortium for English Learner Success convening since the beginning of the pandemic! The Consortium highlights the needs and strengths of English learner and Dual Language learner students and uplifts advocacy opportunities to improve their educational access, quality, and outcomes in Los Angeles and California. The gathering featured meaningful discussions, interactive activities, a powerful performance by poet Ashley Tahay, and insights from experts in the Los Angeles Unified School District, early education, and community schools. We explored challenges and opportunities impacting dual language and English learner students in Los Angeles County. We discussed changing the narrative to uplift student and family stories, hopes, and dreams while fostering a more supportive environment in public schools.

Californians Together recently published “Moving the California English Learner Roadmap Forward: Lessons Learned from EL RISE!” The report uncovers the challenges English learners (ELs) and dual language learners (DLLs) face in our education system. One of the report's key findings is the inequities in educational resources, disproportionately affecting ELs and DLLs. Limited access to quality language programs, under-resourced schools, and insufficient teacher training were among the barriers identified. The report emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to bridge these gaps and ensure every student receives a fair and enriching education.

Digital Equity

Community members and Digital Equity LA coalition members

On October 25th, ABC team member Alessandro Negrete, joined Parent Leader Katy Meza and several Digital Equity LA coalition members to engage in the monthly California Broadband Council Meeting in Sacramento. Traditionally dominated by industry and Internet service provider (ISP) lobbyists, these gatherings require increased community representation to ensure understanding of the issues and foster equitable decision-making. Alessandro and Katy, through their public comments, highlighted the impact of digital broadband issues within the Los Angeles Latino/a community. This collective effort uplifted local community power and served as a call for accountability from our state decision-makers.

Juan De La Cruz, President of the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation (AHWM) and Vice-Chair of the ABC Board of Directors, shares his story with CALÓ News.  A first-generation Latino/a from Boyle Heights, Juan's formative years without health insurance fueled a commitment to philanthropy that spans 16 years. Through personal experiences, Juan recognized the importance of behavioral health and went on to help form a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) at LAUSD. Leveraging federal funding, this center provides primary and preventative care to underserved communities, addressing the healthcare needs of those often overlooked. Jaun’s advocacy extends beyond healthcare as he calls for more Latino/a representation in philanthropy. He emphasizes that until inequities in philanthropy become a mainstream conversation, Latino/as will continue to be marginalized in the field. Through his story, Juan highlights the challenges of his past and brings attention to broader issues of healthcare access and Latino/a representation.

Congratulations to ABC Board member, Lizette Carbajal for receiving the 2023 Heart of the Community Award by the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA! This recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in our local community. 



Felicidades Lizette for this well-deserved recognition!

New state test scores reveal persistent challenges for California students, with most failing to meet grade-level standards in math and reading. Disparities between Latino/a and Black students when compared with White and Asian students point to inequitable access to learning opportunities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dalia Velasco of ABC was quoted about the discrepancies being both disappointing and unsurprising. She echoed inequitable access to learning opportunities, citing challenges like the lack of high-quality and affordable internet. Education experts express concerns about the inadequacy of modest improvements in addressing significant achievement losses. The article considers the complexity of recovery, including chronic absenteeism, teacher shortages, and the need for a balanced focus on both social-emotional learning and academic content. Despite some positive findings, there are calls for a more comprehensive approach to improve educational performance in the state.

Cal Poly Humboldt students Maddy Montiel and Brad Butterfield, living in vehicles to afford college, created a supportive community in a campus parking lot. The university later enforced a policy prohibiting overnight camping, leading to fines and potential towing for violators. University officials cited health and safety concerns, but students argued that the decision added unnecessary pressure to their already challenging situations. 

This article uplifts the challenges many low-income students face in pursuing a college education, as 1 in 10 Cal State students grapples with homelessness. ABC, a member of the Community Engagement for College Success Network (CECSN), is committed to boosting higher education access, affordability, and success in communities of color. These experiences highlight a broader issue, urging a collective call for inclusive education access, regardless of socioeconomic status. Access to higher education is an issue of equity, and we must strive for systemic changes that dismantle barriers, foster supportive environments, and ensure that every student can pursue and succeed in their college journey.

Viver Brazil, a renowned Los Angeles-based company known for its powerful Afro-Brazilian dance theater, offers a Community Dance Class on Monday’s that is free! Class is free due to generous funding from the California Arts Council, donations are appreciated but not required. Community Dance Class at Viver Brasil is open to all levels of dance, ages, and bodies. 

Nate Holden Performing Arts 

4718 West Washington Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90016

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

As the Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will be at the forefront of advancing policy and advocacy initiatives for multilingual and dual language learners as part of the Consortium for English Learner Success. Your role includes representing the Consortium in various coalitions and overseeing a coalition of 100 organizations committed to enhancing English learner and dual language learner policies in Los Angeles. You'll collaborate with elected officials, strengthen coalition-building efforts, and spotlight key issues impacting multilingual learners in Los Angeles County. Your work will identify high-visibility opportunities to elevate multilingual learner policy priorities at the state and local level.

The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (LPPI) seeks dynamic research professionals to serve as research analysts across multiple projects. UCLA LPPI addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to propel policy reforms that expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.

Today, we need your support more than ever to continue our mission of creating positive change and building a better future for all. As a part of our family of supporters, you know the significant impact we have achieved over the years. Our work would not be possible without the support of individuals like you. Your support will directly fund our programs and initiatives. If you’re unable to give, spread the word with your friends and family. Together, we can expand our support base and reach new heights! Your donation, no matter the size, will help us continue to make a real and meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.