Thriving Together

K-12 STEAM education

South Bay

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

Thriving Together has served communities for over a decade, addressing challenges like academic pressures, social isolation, language barriers, emotional distress, and limited access to support. Through partnerships with county programs, special needs services, and collaborations with schools, Thriving Together has led impactful projects, including a learning pod during the pandemic when many institutions closed their doors.
These efforts provide staff with firsthand insights into residents' needs, enabling them to implement effective solutions. By working one-on-one, leading projects, internships, and attending development workshops and trainings, staff are better equipped to assist and promote the growth of its youth. Additionally, staff are residents and alumni of the communities they serve, offering a deep understanding of local strengths and needs. This unique perspective fosters stronger relationships and empowers residents to contribute to the betterment of their neighborhoods.

Thriving Together is a year-round mentorship program developed through hands-on collaboration with residents to support students aged 5–18 facing academic, social, and emotional challenges. Recognizing the absence of individualized attention in schools and the scarcity of affordable community programs, we created a supportive environment where young individuals receive mentorship, academic assistance, and engage in extracurricular activities—all at no cost.
Operating with a low mentor-to-student ratio of 3:1, we ensure personalized attention to address participant's unique needs. Our team includes bilingual mentors, many being former ESL students. This helps bridge communication barriers and fosters a sense of belonging.
Through activities like cooking, sewing, and gardening, our mentors teach valuable life skills while providing guidance and support. By engaging residents as mentors and supporters, we create a network of care that extends beyond the program itself, strengthening our community and empowering youth to thrive academically and personally.
Lastly, the program offers paid internships for students, providing them with valuable opportunities to learn and collaborate directly with professionals across various career paths. These internships allows youth to gain experience, develop skills, and explore potential careers. Hands-on exposure to diverse fields enhances their confidence and self-esteem and also empowers them to make informed decisions about their future.

If Thriving Together succeeds, Los Angeles will experience a transformative shift in youth development. The program has already improved academic outcomes, increased graduation rates, and helped ESL and IEP students transition successfully. Participants have pursued higher education in STEAM and education fields, while previous college interns now lead afterschool programs or support special needs students. By closing the opportunity gap for underserved minorities—immigrants, people of color, and those from low-income backgrounds—the program provides vital resources and opportunities otherwise unavailable to them. As youth apply learned skills to create positive impacts, expansion of the program will offer more career exploration in education and internships for professional growth. Thriving Together’s success will build a more equitable and prosperous future for Los Angeles youth.