Professional Development at LA’s BEST
At LA’s BEST, learning never stops — for students or staff. Our Professional Development pathway supports growth at every stage, from new hire to leadership. Through Staff Development, Workforce Development, and Leadership Development, we help teams build skills, deepen impact, and lead with purpose across 221 sites serving more than 23,861 students each year.
By The Numbers
1,200
staff served
this year
25
weeks of New
Staff Orientation
47
trainings offered across
regions and sites
201
sites receive
training
745
Student
workers
Staff Development
Training begins on day one. Our five-day New Staff Orientation introduces LA’s BEST values, child safety, youth engagement, and self-care. Nearly 900 new staff completed NSO this year, followed by monthly check-ins and continued support.
Learning continues all year through workshops on classroom management, enrichment, social-emotional learning, and more.
Pro-Day, our annual citywide training, brings together more than 1,200 staff for 48 workshops and a 20-vendor resource fair. Sessions focus on program practice, creativity, wellness, and leadership — helping staff connect, learn, and grow.
Leadership Development
Strong leaders create strong programs. Our Leadership Development team equips Site Coordinators and Area Program Staff with coaching, mentorship, and advanced training in teamwork, planning, safety, and community engagement.
Highlights:
- LA’s BEST in ME Mentor Cohort: 87 emerging leaders engaged in our first accelerator year.
- Area Program Staff Meetings: 14 sessions focused on operations, safety, and program quality.
- Summerland Conference: 800+ site staff joined sessions on STEM, arts, and emotional wellness.
Workforce Development
Student Worker Program
Over 500 high school students from 30+ schools have gained paid experience at 40 sites, supporting homework help, enrichment, and safety. Many transition into program worker roles, building skills and careers while serving their neighborhoods.
Get Involved
Whether you’re starting your journey or ready to lead, LA’s BEST offers space to learn, grow, and make a difference.
