LA2050 Blog

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With Lost Angels Children's Project, Lancaster Foster Youth are Restoring Classic Cars

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Lost Angels Children's Project (LACP) youth development and training organization that provides at-risk and foster youth with career-related skills training through classic car restoration and customization. LACP provides a safe space for youth in the Lancaster area aged 13-19 to work on automobiles and channel their creativity to make unique works of art using the tools and skills learned in the workshops. Through the program, students are taught how to safely and properly use tools, equipment and machinery necessary for working on automobiles in an environment that provides them with important life skills and a healthy meal after school. LACP's strength is that the program is built on promoting critical thinking and offering a positive outlet for self-expression.

Receiving the My LA2050 Grants Challenge grant to make LA the best place to LEARN has made a tremendous impact on LACP.

  • Exposure from the My LA2050 grant has led to new partnerships and donors for LACP, one of which is with Jonathan Ward, Founder of ICON 4X4. Jonathan was able to provide the organization with in-kind donations from reputable companies in the auto industry.
  • Through a partnership with the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, LACP students did a first solo exhibit, displaying LACP student art work. The exhibit was available for viewing from June 9 through June 30, 2017.
  • LACP has directly served 23 at-risk, disadvantaged, and foster youth. The My LA2050 grant helped LACP expand hours to include four hours during evenings/after-school and an additional four hours on Saturdays.
  • LACP has been leveraging the success of the LA2050 grant in a variety of ways. Recently, LACP was recognized by radio station 104.3 FM, where radio hosts were rocking LACP gear.
  • Radio station 102.7 FM interviewed Executive Director Aaron Valencia and promoted LACP through their KIIS Cares program.
  • Coming up on August 9th, LACP will be featured on an episode of Jay Leno's Garage, where all of the kids took part in filming this unforgettable experience with Jay Leno at the Lancaster shop.


Right now, LACP students and staff are working hard to complete the 2017 automobile build — a 1958 Chevrolet Apache Pick Up — in time for the September 2nd Ventura Nationals. The main event of the year, this Labor Day Weekend, LACP will present and raffle off the completed customized truck. Tickets are on sale NOW and proceeds from the raffle will be used to implement Lost Angels Children's Project programming for another year.

AuthorLost Angels Children's Project