Education Equity in Middle School

Income inequality

Central LA South LA West LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit) County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) LAUSD (select only if you have a district-wide partnership)

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

Our SEA Program addresses middle school education, a critical phase for setting the stage for future academic success. In 2021-2022, 82% of LAUSD middle schoolers did not meet CAASPP Math standards, and 66% fell short in ELA. Meanwhile, over 81% of these students were eligible for free/reduced-price meals, highlighting the economic barriers that limit their access to private tutoring. Mainstream classrooms, often stretched for resources, cannot provide individualized attention, especially for students not covered by an IEP. Many of these students also contend with significant home-life and social difficulties that impact their academic performance. This combined lack of support not only exacerbates educational disparities but also leaves many unprepared for high school and beyond, perpetuating a cycle of academic and socio-economic challenges. Absence of tailored educational support during these formative years can have long-lasting effects on their opportunities and overall success.

The SEA Program tackles inequities in the school system through intensive, one-on-one tutoring and mentorship for underserved middle schoolers. Our approach is calibrated to each student's learning style and circumstances, delivering targeted support in core STEAM subjects that build essential foundations for future success. Our university student tutors serve as relatable role models who often share similar backgrounds with participants, demonstrating achievable pathways through university, trades, apprenticeships, or community colleges. This representation re-engages students academically, to prepare them for the transition to high school.
Our mentors focus on both academic and emotional needs, helping students navigate educational and personal challenges while fostering self-confidence and positive learning attitudes. This holistic approach improves grades while transforming academic trajectories and life prospects.
Our second division applies this methodology to road safety through gamification, compelling films, and interactive programs that transform default reactions in high-risk situations. Rather than traditional instruction, we create emotionally resonant experiences that shift mindsets about safety. Students engage in simulation-based learning, peer-led discussions, and media projects that make safety personally meaningful, creating lasting habits that extend to influence family and community practices, ultimately reducing accident rates in vulnerable communities.

Los Angeles County will see profound benefits from the success of our SEA Program. By effectively intervening during the critical middle school years, we aim to transform the lives of students from underserved communities, setting them on a path to academic success and personal growth. Our focus on tutoring in core subjects builds a strong foundation that enables students to pursue further education in STEAM and other fields, fostering economic success and innovation.

As more students graduate from middle and high school, they are equipped to pursue vocational training, apprenticeships, or higher education, contributing positively to their communities. This success not only enhances individual lives but also addresses broader societal issues, reducing crime, drug use, and vagrancy. Ultimately, our program fosters a generation of motivated and capable individuals who bring a mindset of achievement to all aspects of their lives, significantly benefiting the entire region.