Breaking Barriers: Unlocking Success Through Learning

K-12 STEAM education

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

There is an underrepresentation of students of color in STEM-related subjects. Students in underserved communities of color have limited access to resources, after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and mentors, which significantly impacts their academic performance.
According to California Department of Education data (2023–2024):
Only 35% of IUSD elementary students met or exceeded state standards in Math, and 42% in Reading, compared to statewide averages of 47% and 50%. Chronic absenteeism affects 25% of students, impacting academic progress and engagement.
Unaddressed educational challenges can have profound, lasting effects on students’ futures. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics (2023) shows that students from low-income households, like the 78% in IUSD, are 3 times more likely to drop out of high school than their counterparts, limiting career opportunities and earning potential. Our program aims to break these educational barriers.

Our after-school programs offer students a different approach to learning, one that is fun, creative, and focused their interests. Our mission is to provide the extra support that students need outside the classroom, while making learning a positive and fun experience.
Our No Mind Left Behind tutoring program offers students homework assistance, educational enrichment activities, and opportunities for students to succeed. This program does not just offer homework assistance; it is a program that helps students with specific challenges they face in the classroom, such as language barriers, literacy issues, and more. With a trained and educated staff, our tutoring program evaluates each student’s background, learning style and makes accommodations when needed to ensure high-quality education.
Our Brotherhood/Sisterhood mentorship program inspires students for future success. This program introduces students to various career paths in STEM, Healthcare, the Arts, Humanities, and more. Local guest speakers engage with the students, thus building their confidence. By inviting local speakers with similar backgrounds, students see examples of success, helping them understand that their opportunities are not limited by their impacted upbringing. This program is an opportunity for students to discover different career paths, thus expanding their interest in school and encouraging them to pursue higher education. Our organization helps change students' outlook on learning.

Our organization provides students with the support they need to avoid falling behind in the classroom, while also encouraging them to continue their education. Our goal is to expand the program to more schools in the Los Angeles County. Through our expansion, we plan to implement a new opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience interning for certain guest speakers. Students will learn about a career, shadow a worker in that career, and have the opportunity to intern for different jobs.
These programs aim to prepare students of color to navigate higher education, enter professional spaces, and challenge the systemic barriers that often limit their access to opportunity. By giving students insight into various career paths, along with academic support, students can break barriers and succeed in the future. Through mentorship, exposure to new opportunities, and academic assistance, we prepare students to lead, achieve, and thrive in their communities and careers.