On Thursday, December 5th, CISLA proudly hosted an open house at Belmont High School, kicking off with a vibrant performance by the school band on the quad. This set the stage for a meaningful event that welcomed LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, representatives from the office of LAUSD Board Member Dr. Rocio Rivas, members of LA City’s Civil Rights Department, and CISLA’s Board of Directors. The open house highlighted CISLA’s transformative impact on students and communities, showcasing our commitment to strengthening school environments and helping students succeed.
We also celebrated a major milestone: being awarded the LA REPAIR grant. Administered by LA Civil Rights, this participatory budget program allocates $8.5 million to underserved communities, empowering residents to decide how funds are invested. CISLA was selected for our dedication to providing education and opportunities to students at John Liechty Middle School and Belmont High School in the Westlake community. This achievement was made possible thanks to the collaboration and votes from community members who live, work, and attend school in the Westlake/Pico area.
The voices of CISLA students Yolanie and Pablo were a highlight of the event. During a panel discussion, students shared heartfelt stories about how CISLA staff have provided critical guidance, helped them build confidence, and created a safe space where they feel heard. They expressed gratitude for the role CISLA plays in preparing them for college and life beyond high school, offering not just academic support but also addressing social and emotional needs.Their stories reflect recent survey results from Belmont High School:
88% of CISLA students agree or strongly agree that CISLA has motivated them to care more about their education.
88% of students agree or strongly agree that CISLA has motivated them to stay on track in school.
82% of students agree or strongly agree that CISLA has been supportive of them and their families.
Chief Program Director Nicholas Wu, Program Manager Nancy Arias, and Board Chair Mark Slavkin joined the conversation, emphasizing the importance of relationships in driving CISLA’s success.
As Slavkin noted, “Programs don’t change things; relationships do.”
CISLA’s collaborative approach with school administrators was also highlighted, showcasing how we work to identify goals and create tailored plans that address each school’s unique needs. CISLA Site Coordinator Sandra Duarte Solis and Site Director Ricky Ramirez shared how they’ve helped create a welcoming environment at Belmont High School. Students on the panel praised this work, noting that site staff have played a key role in helping them prepare for college and beyond.
CISLA’s ability to work in partnership with community members is at the core of achieving our vision: that every student in Los Angeles’ public schools receives the support they need to develop the social and emotional skills required to graduate high school ready for meaningful employment and higher education. Together with schools, families, and community members, we are building a future where every young person has the resources and opportunities to thrive.
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