At a time when a college degree is more necessary than ever, Los Angeles County is facing a graduation crisis. In this issue, you’ll learn the extent of this crisis and how donors are joining forces to end it through the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund.

Launched in 2012, the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund seeks to increase the number of low-income Los Angeles County youth who complete college. Part high-performing mutual fund, part innovation incubator, LASIF partners with nonprofit organizations to provide scholarships and services that get students to and through college. The data in this document reflect the impact of LASIF since its launch.

The California Community Foundation supports a diverse portfolio of high-impact college access and success organizations serving low-income students in Los Angeles County. Each year, these nonprofit partners collectively help tens of thousands of students get to and through college, graduating at rates far higher than local or national averages. These organizations contribute to the cohort through shared best practices, a collective data system and other collaborative ventures. Since LASIF’s launch in 2012, a total of 30 organizations have received support, benefiting more than 26,000 students and their families.

Launched in 2012, the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund (LASIF) is increasing the number of low-income L.A. County youth who achieve their dream of a college degree. By combining need-based scholarships with intensive services before and during college, LASIF addresses the multifaceted financial, academic and personal barriers that have led to a college completion crisis in our community. In this brochure, you can discover the extent of the college graduation crisis in Los Angeles and how LASIF is helping thousands of Angeleno youth get to and through college.

By Melissa Menzer, PhD, Office of Research & Analysis, National Endowment for the Arts

Los Angeles Times

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