MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2013
CONTACT:
Communications Office,213-978-0741
GARCETTI TO ANNOUNCE FIVE NEW LA’s BEST SITES AT BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT
DATE: Tuesday, August 13, 2013
TIME: 2:45 PM
LOCATION: Oxnard Street Elementary School
10912 Oxnard St
North Hollywood, CA 91606
Mayor Eric Garcetti will mark the first day of school by announcing the opening of five new sites of LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program, bringing the citywide total to 194 schools, serving over 28,000 children throughout Los Angeles Unified School District.
“Of course this is good news for the five new schools who are adding an award-winning after school program,” Garcetti said. “But we also are happy that this expansion encompasses an area stretching from the Valley to the South side of the city, benefiting hundreds of children in Los Angeles and their families and adding a source of inspiration and information to their communities. This is a good day for the City of Los Angeles and a great way to kick off a new school year.”
“I’ve said before that kids failing to learn and graduate are among the most serious problems we face as a city,” Garcetti said. “LA’s BEST addresses these needs, brings arts education into schools, and – most importantly – keeps kids safe after school in a nurturing environment that leads to greater success in the classroom, and beyond.”
LA’s BEST students are 20% less likely to drop out of school than non-LA’s BEST students, according to a UCLA study. By enticing children through a wide variety of sports, arts, and other enrichment programs, LA’s BEST improves children’s attitudes about school and performance in the classroom, according to 25 years of research about the program.
“Mayor Garcetti has always been a passionate advocate for the children of Los Angeles and an avid supporter of LA’s BEST,” according to Carla Sanger, President and CEO of the program. “We are pleased but not surprised that his support continues and that we are seeing immediate action by his administration that benefits our children and promotes education. The fact that we are growing so soon and so fast is an indication of what matters to the Mayor – children and education.”
The new locations for LA’s BEST are:
South Region # 11 ES – Tentative Opening August 13th
929 W. 69th Street
LA, CA 90044
Michelle Obama ES – Tentative Opening August 26th
8150 Cedros Avenue
LA, CA 91402
Sally Ride ES – Tentative Opening September 3rd
1041 E. 46th Street
LA, CA 90011
Washington Primary Center - Tentative Opening September 3rd
860 W. 112th Street
LA, CA 90044
South Region # 10 ES – Tentative Opening September 3rd
4410 Orchard Avenue
LA, CA 90037
LA's BEST - Better Educated Students for Tomorrow - is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment, and recreation program serving more than 28,000 children with the greatest needs and fewest resources throughout the City of Los Angeles. The organization is celebrating its 25th year of operating in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector.
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