The Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund (LASIF) was established in 2012 as a partnership between CCF and the College Futures Foundation to increase college access and success in L.A. County. Since its inception $25 million in grants has been awarded and it has grown to become one of the largest college attainment initiatives in L.A. County.
Equity gaps between students based on their race, ethnicity and income directly impact their ability to thrive academically. Only half of all L.A. County students complete high school with the classes required to apply to a four-year college, and just one in five students enrolled in a public university in L.A. County will graduate within four years. LASIF’s unique approach evaluates grantmaking decisions through the lens of college completion to reach beyond admission. Multi-year scholarships are combined with college access and holistic support services proven to address the multifaceted needs of vulnerable students.
Amanda Abito benefited from programming offered by Sharefest, a grantee of LASIF, that works with youth from underserved L.A. neighborhoods. Sharefest empowers youth through leadership development, college preparation workshops, campus field trips and mentoring.
Through Sharefest’s creative writing class Amanda was able to connect with a trusted mentor who believed in her potential and encouraged her to seek out opportunities she might have passed on, such as the LASIF Action Research Fellowship. “My mentor’s support was instrumental in helping me build my self-confidence. There were times when I sold myself short
LASIF scholars to date, of whom over 90% are Pell Grant or CA Dream Act recipients and more than 91% identify with race/ethnicity groups historically underrepresented in higher education, are completing postsecondary degrees far faster and at higher rates than local and national averages.
because I wasn’t attending a prestigious ivy league school and I struggled with social anxiety. I perceived those things as limitations when they were merely challenges that could be overcome.” Amanda, who is now 20 years old, is finishing her second year at Los Angeles Harbor Community College where she will earn three AA degrees before transferring to a four-year university.
LASIF scholars to date, of whom over 90% are Pell Grant or CA Dream Act recipients and more than 91% identify with race/ethnicity groups historically underrepresented in higher education, are completing postsecondary degrees far faster and at higher rates than local and national averages.
“Having that additional support from a college counselor was instrumental for me because I didn’t know how to navigate the system and didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t even know if I could become a successful college student,” says Jahmeel Walker.
Jahmeel received the support and guidance he needed from an organization called the Fulfillment Fund who was working with youth at his high school. The Fulfillment Fund, also a grantee of LASIF, offers an array of college access support services such as in-class college access instruction, one-on-one college counseling and financial aid advising. Jahmeel earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC Merced in May 2016, becoming the first in his family to earn a four-year degree. He is a young professional whose passions range from giving back to his community to pursuing his creative ventures.
Having that additional support from a college counselor was instrumental for me because I didn’t know how to navigate the system and didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t even know if I could become a successful college student.”
Jahmeel Walker, UC Merced Alumni
Throughout its 10-year trajectory, LASIF has impacted the lives of more than 38,000 students by supporting community organizations who provide low-income youth with an array of safety net services to ensure they have the support they need to get into college and graduate.
The
HomeLA Fund
Every night, nearly 66,000 Angelenos go to sleep homeless. They are families that have been evicted due to job loss, veterans suffering from trauma, former foster youth, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons.
LA Arts
Recovery Fund
Initiated by the J. Paul Getty Trust and administered by CCF, the LA Arts Recovery Fund is a collaboration of local and national funders and is the largest-ever pooled private investment for arts across L.A.
