Rise & Thrive: A Second Chance for Pregnant Teen Moms

Income inequality

Central LA South LA San Fernando Valley

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

At McAlister High School, pregnant and parenting teen mothers face overwhelming barriers that threaten their ability to stay in school and succeed. Many lack reliable transportation due to the school’s multiple sites and limited bus service, making consistent attendance nearly impossible. Without financial support, they cannot afford early or extended daycare hours, preventing them from arriving on time, riding the school bus, or participating in after-school programs. To make ends meet, many work long hours, leaving them exhausted, disengaged, and often absent. These daily struggles take a toll on their emotional well-being, leaving them discouraged and isolated. With over 90% of these students chronically absent, it's clear that systemic support is urgently needed to remove these barriers and give teen moms the chance to thrive through education, stability, and enrichment.

This grant will fund a comprehensive support program for 10 pregnant and parenting teen mothers at McAlister High School, directly targeting the financial and logistical challenges that hinder their educational progress. We will provide daycare vouchers to help offset the high cost of childcare, enabling these young mothers to have reliable, flexible childcare that aligns with school hours. This will allow them to arrive at school on time, remain for the full school day, and participate in vital after-school enrichment activities that promote academic and personal growth.
Additionally, monthly stipends will be provided to reduce the need for these students to work excessive hours, which often leads to exhaustion, disengagement, and chronic absenteeism. By alleviating some financial pressures, we empower teen moms to focus more on their education, health, and parenting responsibilities, fostering both independence and self-sufficiency.
Through this initiative, we aim to break the cycle of barriers that contribute to poor attendance and limited academic success among teen mothers at McAlister. By providing these critical resources, we create a supportive environment that promotes consistent school attendance, engagement in enrichment programs, and overall well-being, ultimately equipping these young women with the tools to build stable futures for themselves and their children.

If our initiative succeeds, Los Angeles County will see a significant shift in breaking the cycle of poverty and educational inequity among teen mothers and their children. By providing pregnant and parenting teens with the financial and childcare support they need to stay in school and engage in enrichment programs, we empower them to complete their education and build stable futures. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that their children will attend and graduate from college, improving economic mobility across generations.
Supporting teen moms to thrive academically and personally creates stronger families and healthier communities throughout the county. Over time, this work will reduce dropout rates, increase high school and college graduation rates, and foster a more educated, skilled workforce, helping Los Angeles become a place where every family has the tools to succeed and contribute to the region’s social and economic vitality.