Kids are the Heart of LA

Heart of Los Angeles is closing the opportunity gap by providing robust academic and enrichment opportunities for youth

About Heart
of Los Angeles

Over the past 35 years, Heart of Los Angeles has served over 50,000 kids, delivering over 330 weekly classes on our sites across the city. Programming at our MacArthur Park and South Los Angeles campuses bridge a critical, widening resource gap for students and families in Los Angeles. Through partnerships with hundreds of organizations, we offer a wide range of leadership and advocacy opportunities for youth and their families. Heart of Los Angeles is committed to cultivating engaged leaders and change makers equipped to seed transformative, community-driven change.

Our Impact

Heart of Los Angeles provides underserved kids with an equal chance to succeed, delivering a comprehensive array of after-school academic, arts, athletics, music, and wellness programs for youth ages 6-24. Heart of Los Angeles’ out of school programs complement and enhance youths’ academic experience through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment.

We believe that LA’s kids are the heart of our city. Intergenerational communities support youth with becoming resilient and empowered for self-determination.

At a Glance

students served since 1989

0 K+

in scholarships to first generation college students & BIPOC youth since 1989

$ 0 M+

staff & volunteers serving youth and families since 2021

0 +

weekly classes for youth and adults ages 6-24

Our Programs

Academics

Academic and financial aid advisors, professional development opportunities, and in-house college scholarships

Athletics

Leagues, clinics, physical education, and active camps for kids interested in basketball, soccer, and football

Music

Choir, orchestra, and band programs designed by musical artists

Visual Arts

Extensive visual arts programs, designed and delivered by established and emerging artists in partnership with local community organizations

The HOLA teachers made me feel comfortable in asking for help. They have also taught me that learning about subjects like math and English can be fun.

Heart of Los Angeles Student

Being a parent is crucial to be able to guide your kids and set them on a path where they will be able to succeed and see their losses not as a loss but as a lesson. HOLA has taken a huge part in this path bringing great programs and educating our young minds to prepare themselves for the real world. Having my kids be able to join their sports program with such an outstanding basketball coach like Coach Kristina has been life-changing for me. In the past three years I have been a part of this, I can attest that everyone is treated equally and no one is left behind.

Asusena SantanaHeart of Los Angeles Parent

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Heart of Los Angeles. This organization has made a significant impact on the lives of my kids, enabling them to attend special events with celebrity athletes and even travel abroad. In addition, because of HOLA, my kids have gained confidence and find it more possible to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. Not to mention, HOLA has an excellent, motivated, and dedicated staff who serve as mentors, making a difference in the lives of young kids.

Kathia Garcia-LedezmaHeart of Los Angeles Parent

Sign up for our newsletter!

Sign up for our bimonthly newsletter to receive updates, including stories highlighting our students and information on how to get involved in our community.