LA’s BEST students and families showed up in full force for the LA84 Foundation’s Play Day Block Party in Historic West Adams, a citywide celebration of youth sports and community play. From pro team mascots to live DJs, the free event was packed with fun, food, and nonstop energy. LA’s BEST is proud to partner with LA84 to make play accessible for all, year-round.

This spring, LA’s BEST made history. For the first time ever, we formed an Advocacy Cohort—a group of dedicated staff who traveled to Sacramento to participate in the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge, joining hundreds from across the state to advocate for expanded learning programs.

From rallying on the Capitol steps to meeting directly with legislators, our cohort shared powerful stories that demonstrated just how essential before-school, afterschool, and summer programs are for our communities.

We were fully immersed in our Pro-Day workshops! Over 1,200 dedicated staff came together to learn new skills that will create a lasting impact at their sites. Huge kudos to our incredible team and facilitators for their commitment to growth and for making a difference in the lives of our students and communities. We’re excited to see the positive changes ahead!

We had the honor of hosting Mayor Karen Bass at our afterschool program at Gates Street Elementary, joined by LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Dr. Rocio Rivas, and other valued partners. LA’s BEST is proud to be a partnership of the City of Los Angeles, LAUSD, and the private sector — a collaboration that creates a supportive ecosystem for young Angelenos, fosters community engagement, and helps prevent homelessness. We deeply appreciate your commitment to building a brighter, safer, and more equitable future for our city!

We wrapped up our successful 30th Dance and Drill Team competition! Congratulations to all our schools for bringing their A-game - every performance was amazing! We want to extend our gratitude to the City-Wide Department and all our staff who came to support our students and put together this unforgettable event. The gymnasium was packed for every session with supporting parents, family, and friends. A special thank you goes out to Senator Maria Elena Durazo for participating in our event and offering words of inspiration to our community, as well as presenting awards to our winners. This weekend left a lasting impact on our community. We look forward to next year!

Many thanks to everyone who joined us for Locally Grown: A Garden Party! It was a stunning evening with delicious dishes personally crafted and served by our amazing host of chefs.  

Read Across America motivates students to read, bring the joys of reading to them, and make all children feel valued and welcome.

Share The Journey on Wednesday, August 30th at BMO Stadium was a magical night! We are grateful to everyone who joined us!

Participate in the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge on March 14, 2023 in Sacramento! Advocate with us to improve the lives of children, families and communities served by LA’s BEST and afterschool programs across the state.

Read Across America was an inspiring event for our students, thanks to all our volunteers!

We had a blast celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day!

Los Angeles’ most chic and delicious annual event was on Thursday, October 13 this year. The LA’s BEST Community gathered for garden-infused cocktails and hors d’oeuvres personally created by local noteworthy chefs and was generously hosted by Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser in their beautiful garden at Redbird | Vibiana. 

Join Mayor Eric Garcetti and prominent leaders in the education, government, philanthropic, and business sectors to discuss the opportunity for partnerships that impact the future of Los Angeles through afterschool.

Our 2022 gala Shine Bright was held on May 19th, 2022, at Banc of California Stadium, where we dined, danced and celebrated the impact of our work. It was an exquisite and inspiring evening of fundraising and celebration under the stars.

Participate in the virtual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge March 15 & 16, 2022! Advocate with us to improve the lives of children, families and communities served by LA's BEST and afterschool programs across the state.

Join us for Read Across America! Virtually read a book to students to inspire them to love reading.

Thank you for joining us for Los Angeles' most chic and delicious event! Locally Grown was a night filled with garden-infused cocktails, hors d’oeuvres personally created by local noteworthy chefs and a foodie-inspired auction in Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser’s beautiful garden at Redbird.

Essential Connections was a great success! Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who participated in the virtual event! Please click here to watch the show!. We are honored that Michaela Pereira, our longtime supporter and anchor of Good Day LA, hosted the event. She is joined by heartfelt messages from our staff, kids and parents and videos celebrating our honorees.

Participate in the virtual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge! March 8-9, 2021.

We hope you will participate in Read Across America with LA’s BEST!

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool from your computer!

Black Santa, Alumni Baron Davis & LA's BEST Presents: Christmas in July! Celebrate and tune into our live-stream that promotes multicultural learning, highlights community leaders, and supports LA's BEST, hosted by LA's BEST Alumni Baron Davis and Michaela Pereira.  https://www.facebook.com/lasbest/videos/895601747512235

This event is postponed.. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of all our stakeholders and thank Mayor Eric Garcetti for his directives to help keep us safe. Unfortunately, we must postpone our upcoming event, Locally Grown: A Garden Party. We are grateful to our hosts Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser and to the fourteen participating chefs. Until we confirm the new date, we encourage you to visit their top-rated restaurants when the time is right (and many of them deliver!).

Celebrate Science & Engineering Fair has been cancelled.. As an LAUSD partnership, we follow all district policies and guidance. The district announced that as of Monday (3/16) all schools will be closed.

Community Jam for Peace ~ A Student Performance Showcase.

Community Jam for Peace is an annual performing arts showcase where students illustrate their visions for a more peaceful and just world and showcase the positive life choices they are making. Groups of students perform skits, dances, poems and songs before their peers, families, supporters and public officials.

Thank you for your interest in the Family Brunch.

Dine, Drink & Donate in support of LA's BEST. Join influential young professionals for an evening of drinking great wine, beer and spirits, eating tasty treats and bidding on bespoke experiences. Click here to view photos from previous unWINEdLA events.