Vaping among teenagers continues to skyrocket, and now school administrators are fighting back. On January 28, 2022, ABC7 News featured Santee Education Complex Principal Dr. Violeta Ruiz’s tireless work fighting illegal tobacco sales to minors. Dr. Ruiz ensures students’ safety and well-being by working with multiple agencies, parents, and students to make sure retailers in...
Federal and state student aid applications are lagging among California high school seniors. Still, Mendez High School in Boyle Heights is optimistic that it can build on previous success to make sure the majority of its seniors apply this year. The high school goes way above and beyond by setting early deadlines, messaging students on...
On November 10, 2021, the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools announced the launch of a new $4-million college scholarship program that will help achieve the higher education aspirations of 80 Partnership students over the next eight years. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropist Jane Watkins, who established the Watkins Fellows program, 10 Partnership college-bound seniors...
On November 15, 2021, Sunrise Elementary School Assistant Teacher Ms. Rae Lopez and 8-year-old Ivan Lozano were featured on ABC during a segment about the school’s new mural honoring Kobe Bryant. Sunrise Elementary School is located in Boyle Heights and is one of 19 Partnership schools accelerating student achievement across LA Unified and beyond. In...
The Los Angeles Times and LAist featured Roosevelt High School’s football team for its first victory in over a decade against crosstown rival Garfield High School in the 86th installment of the East L.A. Classic. The return of the iconic football game brought a sense of hope for two communities devastated by the pandemic. With...
Now in the third consecutive school year impacted by the pandemic, educators and policymakers are grappling with how to respond to the needs of students who are English learners and their families. In spring 2021, the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools joined LA Unified School District (LA Unified) staff in the Jefferson-South Central Community of...
On September 23, 2021, Roosevelt High School Band Director Erik Quintanilla was featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show for uplifting and improving the school’s music program. Thanks to Quintanilla, students who once had limited access to playable instruments and equipment are now learning the joys of music and how it can change their lives. Clarkson...
Partnership teachers Kendra Anderson and Erika Castaneda at 99th Street Elementary in Watts were honored by the TODAY show for going above and beyond to support their students. Like many educators, Anderson and Castaneda spend their own money on school supplies, including books and back-to-school products. The TODAY show surprised the dedicated teachers with a...
On June 26, 2021, LA Times Columnist Steve Lopez wrote, “She became a citizen one day and graduated near the top of her high school class the next.” The story highlights Pilar Diaz Bombino, a recent graduate of Jordan High School, one of 19 schools in the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools’ network. Pilar emigrated...
In June 2021, we published our third equity alert focused on the digital divide, entitled, “Bringing Broadband Home: How School Districts Can Help Connect Students With High-Speed Internet Now.” In this brief, we highlight the important role school districts can play and outline eight actions school districts can take now to ensure all students have...
“I’m going to follow my dreams. I’m going to go to USC, graduate, and move on. People will try to bring me down, but I’m gonna keep on fighting and stay up and accomplish my dreams.” – Jayce, 5th Grader in Boyle Heights In May, as high school seniors make decisions about enrolling in college, the...
On March 24, 2021, the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools held its fourth annual Lundquist Courageous Teacher Awards, a virtual ceremony celebrating the outstanding work of all teachers in our network. You can view the complete awards program featuring students, teachers, and school leaders here! You can also find individual videos below. Joan Sullivan, CEO,...
