The Foundation for Los Angeles Community Colleges Innovation in Education Workforce Advancement Generous DonorsMaking a Difference Student Achievement
Community colleges are engines of economic mobility and opportunity. And the students that they serve are as diverse as Los Angeles - from high school students getting an early taste of college, to students preparing to transfer to a university, to adults seeking a new skillset that will provide a more vibrant future for themselves and their family.
Through innovative programs, strong partnerships, and the generosity of donors, funders and sponsors, the Foundation is proud to support the students and communities served by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Help us to ensure that all Angelenos have access to affordable, high-quality postsecondary education and career training, regardless of their background.
Support Students Today
Join us in building a brighter future for all Angelenos.
Our Impact Areas
Open Access to Higher Education
Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Community colleges offer a wide range of programs designed to meet the unique needs and interests of the diverse students and communities that they serve. The Foundation works to support colleges to provide not only academic training but also support services—such as tutoring, mentorship, and career guidance—that help students navigate their college journeys.
What the Numbers Say
20,000
Number of high school students who take LACCD college classes each year through dual enrollment.
+237%
Average increase of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges since 2007.
$1 Million
Thanks to generous donors, the Foundation provides more than $1 million in direct aid and support to students each year.
Strong Workforce Development
Empower people with better education, skills, and economic opportunity.
Los Angeles County must accelerate educational attainment to meet the need for more advanced employment skills. If current trends continue, the increasingly large skills gap may force employers to operate with lower productivity, relocate or even close, putting the standard of living for Angelenos at risk.
What the Numbers Say
+33%
How much more an LACCD graduate with an associate’s degree earn compared to persons who only have a high school diploma.
35,000
Number of certificates and degrees awarded by LACCD each year including specialized training programs, associates degrees, and select bachelor’s degrees.
72%
Percentage of U.S. jobs that will require postsecondary education and/or training by 2031, increasing workforce inequity and skill gaps for those without that education level.
Addressing Students’ Basic Needs
With low tuition rates and public financial aid programs, community colleges in California are designed to be radically affordable. However, with more than half of LACCD’s students living in poverty, many struggle to afford the cost of living and studying in Los Angeles. The cost of education goes well beyond tuition to include childcare, textbooks, transportation, tools, food, housing, and much more.
What the Numbers Say
75%
Percentage of community college students working part-time or full-time jobs to support their education.
-$9,233
Average annual unmet need of CA community college students, even with financial aid.
62%
Percentage of LACCD students who reported experiencing some form of food insecurity due to lack of funds.
Scholarship Funds
Empowering our Students
Explore Scholarship Opportunities
Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, every year the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges provides more than $1 million in scholarship funds, grants, and other resources to help students start, continue, and complete their educations.
Students can explore open opportunities through the LACCD Scholarship Portal, linked below. Students will need to use their Single Sign On (SSO) to see a scholarship list that is specific to their college and/or area of study.
36 Communities and Cities
How over 200,000 students learn together
Spanning nearly 900 square miles of LA County, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is the largest community college district in the U.S. Collectively, LACCD’s nine colleges educate nearly twice as many Latinx and African-American students as the entire University of California system.
About the Foundation
Who We Are
Finding ways forward for LA County’s next generations
Education is the most powerful way to shape the future of the individuals and communities we serve. Our Foundation team is passionately committed to eliminating barriers, creating opportunities, and fostering the success of our students through empathy, strategic funding, and changemaking.
The Foundation’s philanthropic mission extends beyond simply providing access; we are committed to uplifting and empowering the next generation of leaders in Los Angeles. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to being a transformative partner to the Los Angeles Community College District and its colleges. Through the support of generous donors and sponsors, we implement innovative programs to enhance student success and community engagement.
By working together, we can create meaningful pathways for all Angelenos, ensuring that education serves as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and community transformation. Join us in our mission to shape a brighter future for our region.