C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California

C5LA transforms high-potential, first-generation youth through a unique five-year leadership program combining outdoor adventure, college access, and career readiness within supportive cohorts. Serving primarily children of immigrants from Title 1 schools, we maintain a 100% high school graduation and 95% college enrollment rate. With LA2050 support, we will scale to deepen mental health services, boost college persistence, and expand career pathways—changing the odds for LA’s next generation

Throughout high school and continuing throughout college, C5LA students and alumni receive the skills and knowledge necessary to enter into their chosen career trajectories. While academic expertise, networking, and experience influence their professional goals, studies show that mentorship is one of the main factors that lead to positive performance and behaviors within personal and professional development.

C5LA serves kids at high risk for school dropout due to poverty, precarious living circumstances, and prevalence of gangs in their neighborhoods. Our 5-year program of leadership camps, college/career prep, and service learning helps students realize their true potential. C5LA gets at-risk youth to college; however, many are unable to stay the course. Funding from LA2050 will enable C5LA to implement college retention initiatives for this vulnerable population to persist and succeed in college.

C5LA's proposed project develops future leaders, helps youth graduate high school and attend college, and teaches the value of giving back.