The CONNECT category represents our hope that Los Angeles will be a place where every resident is empowered to engage with others and contribute to civic processes. By the year 2050, LA will be the most civically engaged region in the U.S., with abundant platforms for residents to voice their opinions and influence local decision-makers. Our voting rates and volunteerism will lead the nation, and an expanded network of transportation options will facilitate the easy flow of people and ideas.

Below, learn more about the five My LA2050 winners making LA the best place to CONNECT.

$100,000 Winner: Ready to Succeed supports and empowers youth impacted by foster care with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to launch successful careers and lead meaningful lives.

RTS Scholars graduate from college at a rate 10 times greater than foster youth nationwide and are more likely to secure full-time employment. You can support RTS Scholars by committing your organization as a hiring partner, serving as an advocate, and more. Current and former foster youth enrolled in college can apply to join the program now through September 15.

$50,000 Winner: Union Station Homeless Services' mission is to help individuals and families rebuild their lives and end homelessness across the San Gabriel Valley.

Union Station still has impactful volunteer opportunities available during COVID-19. Check out the list of current volunteer needs. And, on September 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Join Union Station for Changing the Narrative: Does Housing Really End Homelessness, a virtual discussion about the Housing First model.

$25,000 Winner: LA Forward provides Angelenos with the resources and training they need to take constructive action and organize to make LA a better place.

LA Forward has a full calendar of virtual events available to those looking to get involved in local advocacy, centered around specific issue areas or focused on individual neighborhoods—from meetings on Housing Justice and Transportation Justice to gatherings for the Westside, South LA, South Bay, and San Fernando Valley.

$15,000 Winner: Boyle Heights Beat/Radio Pulso is a bilingual community news project produced by youth and a trusted source of information in Boyle Heights.

This summer, the Boyle Heights Beat youth journalists released their 32nd print edition and published an assortment of digital articles, including a series of photo essays in partnership with Las Fotos Project entitled “Con Safos" that highlight public safety issues in their community. Take a look at the series.

$10,000 Winner: Creative Acts heals trauma, builds community, raises power, and amplifies the voices of the most marginalized through art.

This week, Creative Acts launches the newest, virtual cohort of its Art Attacks program. Art Attacks uses drawn art, spoken word poetry, and more to teach with youth incarcerated in Los Angeles County Juvenile Halls and Camps the value of their voice and the importance of voting. Learn more about the impact of Art Attacks and Creative Acts' other programming.