Growth Beyond the Classroom: Afterschool Learning in Los Angeles

K-12 STEAM education

Central LA East LA South LA San Fernando Valley West LA San Gabriel Valley

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

In Los Angeles, many young people—especially from underserved communities—face systemic barriers to academic and personal growth, including limited access to safe, enriching out-of-school environments and a lack of inclusion for neurodiverse youth and those with developmental disabilities. Without inclusive design, adaptive resources, and trained staff, these youth are often excluded from transformative learning experiences. Addressing this gap through integrated, interdisciplinary activities is essential to equity and youth development. Woodcraft Rangers offers 100+ afterschool and summer program options for free at 143 LA County sites, including 48 LAUSD schools, and Camp Woodcraft in Big Bear Valley. With a 20:1 student-instructor ratio (10:1 TK), students engage in STEAM learning that integrates sports, arts, outdoor education, and youth leadership to build academic confidence, foster social-emotional growth, and create a sense of belonging that prepares them for lifelong success.

This initiative advances Woodcraft’s afterschool STEAM learning and inclusive education for youth. Through hands-on STEAM experiences, from exploring math through art and transforming 2D sketches with 3D printing, to robotics, engineering, coding, music, and dance, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and collaborate across disciplines. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned environmental education at Camp Woodcraft in Big Bear Valley deepens learning and leadership by connecting students to ecological systems and real-world environmental challenges through immersive outdoor science experiences. At the same time, the initiative embeds practices designed by Woodcraft’s Inclusion Team, including site-level support, inclusive curriculum resources, and school staff collaboration, to ensure supports for neurodiverse youth and those with developmental disabilities are integrated into daily programs alongside nondisabled peers, and not treated as exceptions. With support from LA2050, Woodcraft will scale inclusion services to new schools and districts. The grant will support out-of-school programming, including STEAM programs, as well as staff training in inclusive practices, dedicated school inclusion specialists, and expanded access to adaptive resources. By fostering welcoming, accessible STEAM environments, the initiative closes equity gaps, builds future-ready skills, and nurtures confidence and belonging in all learners—especially those too often excluded.

If Woodcraft Rangers is successful, LA County will become a more equitable, connected, and empowered generation of youth. Thousands of students, including many from historically underserved communities, will grow up with consistent access to safe, enriching, and inclusive environments that support their academic success, social-emotional well-being, and personal growth The city will see youth who face systemic barriers become confident leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Differently-abled young people will have meaningful access to programs that affirm their value and build independence, such as attending sleepaway camp for this first time, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. As students connect their learning to real-world experiences, they will be better prepared to meet individual and social challenges, including those facing our planet.