LA's BEST

10/02/2026

“Together we learn. Together we grow. Together we belong.” 🎨✨

Campus walls have the power to tell a story, and the newest mural at Hillery T. Broadous Elementary in Pacoima does just that. Designed to reflect the heritage, diversity, and vibrant spirit of the neighborhood, this mural is a daily reminder to students that who they are matters.

As Estela Carranza, Site Coordinator, shared:
“Not everyone is the same. Everyone is uniquely different… and together they create something a lot stronger.”

Our deepest gratitude goes to every single student, staff member, and community partner who contributed their energy, and especially to Principal Victoria Littlejohn, whose dedication and vision made this collaboration possible.

This is just one campus of many. We can’t wait to continue bringing color, inspiration, and creative joy to schools all across LA County.

To learn more about our arts initiatives and support our programs, visit lasbest.org. 🖌️💛

09/29/2026

What an incredible Pro Day!

More than 900 LA’s BEST staff members gathered at Roybal Learning Center for a day dedicated to professional development, inspiration, and growth.

A huge thank you to our sponsors—Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Alliant University, The Port of Long Beach, California Credit Union, and Discount School Supplies—for their generous support! We are also deeply grateful to our session leaders, including California Credit Union, Cedars-Sinai, and Los Angeles Rams for sharing their expertise and inspiring our team.

A huge thank you to our incredible staff and supporters for making this annual professional development day possible!

09/25/2026

Every day across Los Angeles, LA’s BEST provides more than 23,500 students with a safe, enriching place to learn, create, and belong. Completely free of charge.

From hands-on STEM projects and visual arts to homework support and healthy meals, this work is so much more than after school supervision—it’s an essential bridge for working families. In fact, 85% of our families share that they couldn't otherwise afford after school care, and 94% say our programs allow them to keep working.

Closing the afterschool access gap takes a village, which is why community partnerships mean the world to us. We are deeply honored to be named a recipient of the 2026 PepsiCo Foundation Community Impact Award!

Support from champions like the PepsiCo Foundation helps ensure that vital, barrier-free enrichment reaches the kids and families who need it most. We are especially grateful for their support of our BEST Fit programming, investing directly in healthy living, nutrition, and active play for our students. Thank you, PepsiCo Foundation, for championing wellness and investing in the future of Los Angeles!

Read the full announcement and meet the incredible cohort of recipients here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsico-foundation-recognizes-100-community-organizations-across-the-us-and-canada-through-2026-community-impact-awards-302873928.html

09/24/2026

When schools dream big, our students and arts teams bring those visions to life, one brushstroke at a time.

Across Los Angeles, school murals do more than brighten up walls; they celebrate identity, belonging, and student voices. Here is a look behind the scenes of three recent campus transformations:

-Vinedale College Preparatory Academy: When Principal Alicia Bernal wanted to turn a student's vision into a permanent cafeteria centerpiece, an LA’s BEST student artist picked up a brush alongside our team to help paint her own butterfly design.

-Newcastle Elementary: Embracing their school’s nautical pride, Principal Judy Goitia partnered with our Arts Department to design and reveal a brand-new lighthouse mural welcoming students back for the fall.

-Hillery T. Broadous Elementary: Principal Victoria Littlejohn partnered with our team to create a vibrant mural that celebrates community roots and togetherness with native plants, fruits, and hands nurturing growth.

-Osceola Elementary: Led by Principal Jose Velasquez, this work in progress will soon bring campus walls to life with a vibrant, STEM-themed mural celebrating science, discovery, and future innovators.

At LA’s BEST, the Arts program introduces students to diverse creative mediums—from painting and sculpture to dance, music, and digital storytelling—helping them build confidence, collaborate, and express who they are.

Want to see how we foster creativity in after-school spaces every day?

Visit https://lasbest.org/stories/las-best-brings-school-walls-to-life-through-student-murals/ to read the full story and learn more about our arts initiatives!

08/13/2026

What separates a high-quality afterschool program from one that simply fills the hours until pickup? LA’s BEST Director of Evaluation Evelyn Wang, Ph.D. shares the questions families should be asking.

Not all after-school programs are created equal. From staff-to-student ratios and transportation to enrichment, academics and snacks, here's what L.A. parents should look for before choosing a program for their child.

08/10/2026

Technology is more than screens. It's creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving.

Through Digital Learning, students strengthen digital literacy while exploring coding, innovation, media, and hands-on technology experiences that prepare them for the future.

Today's learners are tomorrow's innovators.

Enrollment is open year-round for eligible LAUSD elementary students. Find a participating school through the link in our bio.

08/06/2026

Healthy bodies support healthy minds.

Through BEST Fit, students stay active while building teamwork, confidence, leadership, and lifelong healthy habits through movement and play.

Because every child deserves opportunities to move, grow, and have fun every day.

Enrollment is open year-round for eligible LAUSD elementary students. Find a participating school through the link in our bio.

08/06/2026

Creating opportunities for children takes a community.

LA's BEST is proud to be a partnership between the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and community supporters who believe every child deserves access to safe, high-quality expanded learning opportunities.

Together, we're creating brighter futures for students and families across Los Angeles.

Interested in joining the LA's BEST community? Eligible families can find a participating school and apply through the link in our bio.

07/29/2026

Creativity has a place in every child's day.

Whether students are painting, performing, dancing, making music, or exploring a new artistic skill, our arts programming encourages creativity, builds confidence, and gives every child the opportunity to express themselves.

Interested in joining LA's BEST? Enrollment is open year-round for eligible LAUSD elementary students. Find a participating school through the link in our bio.

07/27/2026

For nearly four decades, LA's BEST has been creating safe, welcoming spaces where Los Angeles students can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.

What began in 1988 as a program serving 10 elementary schools has grown to over 200 expanded learning programs, supporting thousands of students across Los Angeles every day.

While we've grown over the years, our purpose has remained the same: investing in the whole child and strengthening our communities, one student at a time.

Eligible LAUSD elementary school families can enroll year-round. Find a participating school and apply today through the link in our bio.