Literacy in Action

K-12 STEAM education

West LA

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

LA SCORES seeks to address the inequities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for youth in under-resourced communities. Many students lack access to quality programs that integrate critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning in STEAM fields. LA SCORES combines soccer, poetry, and service-learning to foster holistic youth development, offering opportunities for creative expression through poetry and leadership through soccer. By integrating arts and physical activity with STEAM principles, LA SCORES helps youth develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills—empowering them to excel academically and prepare for future careers in STEAM fields.

This grant will support LA SCORES’ innovative program, which integrates soccer, poetry, and service-learning to engage youth in STEAM-based learning. Through this program, students will participate in creative writing workshops that enhance literacy, storytelling, and critical thinking skills while also applying STEAM concepts in hands-on projects. The soccer component fosters teamwork, physical health, and discipline, while service-learning projects encourage civic engagement and problem-solving. By blending these elements, LA SCORES provides a holistic approach to STEAM education that nurtures academic achievement, creative expression, and leadership development. This program is designed to ensure that youth in under-resourced communities have access to the skills and experiences needed to succeed in STEAM fields.

If successful, LA SCORES will transform Los Angeles County by providing equitable access to high-quality STEAM education for youth in under-resourced communities, particularly in the Palms Community and Culver City/Mar Vista Gardens areas, which have high populations of at-risk youth. Through our innovative program, we will equip students in these neighborhoods with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the modern workforce. By integrating soccer, poetry, and service-learning, our program will not only enhance academic achievement but also foster leadership and civic engagement. The impact will create a generation of confident, community-minded leaders who are prepared to excel in STEAM fields, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the tools and support needed to thrive in their education and future careers.