Youth Mentoring Connection provides long-term one-on-one mentoring relationships, creative expression opportunities, and life-changing experiences including surf programs, film academy, and initiation retreats. Youth participate in 9-month core mentoring programs that include worksite mentoring, life skills workshops, and monthly ECHO gatherings for deep healing conversations. Through mentoring, indigenous rituals, creative arts (poetry, music, film), and outdoor experiences, youth develop positive character, decision-making skills, and enhanced self-esteem to reach their full potential.

A Place Called Home (APCH) provides after-school programs – academic support, arts classes, career readiness training, leadership development, and mental health services.

Create Now, empowering youth from underserved communities through arts education and mentoring. | Through creative learning, mentoring, career preparation, and therapeutic arts, we empower young people to discover their potential, equipping them to shape a future filled with opportunity, hope, and positive change for themselves and their communities

Brotherhood Crusade is a comprehensive youth development organization offering extensive programs focused on education, mentorship, STEM, sports, leadership, and career readiness for youth in South Los Angeles. Programs include mentoring initiatives like Mentor & Me and Brother to Brother, STEM education through BioFuture, leadership development via Jr. Executive Leadership Program, and career training through the YouthSource Center. Youth can participate in sports programs, restorative justice teen courts, teaching gardens, and various enrichment activities designed to build skills and character. The organization provides wraparound support services including academic tutoring, job training, financial literacy, and community building events.

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) is a comprehensive youth development organization that closes the opportunity gap for underserved youth ages 6-24 through free after-school programs. HOLA offers over 330 weekly classes in academics, athletics (basketball, soccer, football), music (choir, orchestra, band), visual arts, and wellness programs. The organization provides personalized academic and financial aid advising, college scholarships for first-generation students and BIPOC youth, and professional development opportunities. With campuses in MacArthur Park and South Los Angeles, HOLA has served over 50,000 youth in the past 35 years, cultivating engaged leaders and changemakers through partnerships with hundreds of community organizations.

Chicas Verdes is a youth-led environmental justice organization that empowers young people through hands-on gardening, environmental education, and community action. Founded in 2017 by a high school teacher and her students, the program helps youth develop leadership skills while building and sustaining school and community gardens. Students participate in a school gardening competition, workshops, and leadership development programs that teach practical skills, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility. The organization addresses environmental inequities by increasing access to green spaces, healthy food, and environmental education in underserved communities.

Social Justice Learning Institute empowers underserved communities through education, community development, and systems change. Their Urban Scholars program has served 3,810 students, providing comprehensive college preparation including SAT prep, college field trips, workshops, and mentorship to help youth navigate higher education. The organization’s Youth Justice Fellowship engages young people in advocacy and organizing around housing and youth justice issues. SJLI also addresses food insecurity by distributing over 4 million pounds of produce to South LA residents since 2020, supporting family wellness and community health.

Root Down LA is a community-based organization focused on food justice, environmental education, and youth empowerment in South Los Angeles. The organization engages youth through urban gardening programs, nutrition education, and leadership development opportunities that connect them to healthy food systems and environmental stewardship. Young people learn about sustainable agriculture, community organizing, and food sovereignty while developing job skills and civic engagement.

SoLA Robotics is South LA’s premier community-based, year-round competitive robotics club that provides hands-on STEM education to underserved youth. The program offers coding and robotics instruction designed to build technological skills and confidence in students of color. Youth participate in competitive robotics activities while developing a portfolio of skills that can lead to STEM career pathways. The organization creates a supportive community where students learn, grow, and thrive together through collaborative projects and mentorship.