Date: June 17, 2025
Time: 10:00am pst
Location: WLCAC Family Source Center – 1212 E 108th Street LA CA 90059
Heart of Los Angeles (Heart of LA) in partnership with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation (TLFF) is proud to announce the launch of the state-of-the-art Heart of Los Angeles FROST TECH LAB Powered by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation alongside the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s (WLCAC) community-driven vision.
Watts, CA – Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), in partnership with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation (TLFF), is proud to announce the opening of the Heart of Los Angeles FROST TECH Lab powered by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, at the WLCAC College Corner designed to bridge the digital divide and empower local youth in grades 6th through 12th via hands-on STEAM learning.
In direct alignment with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation’s mission to create equitable opportunities for youth in underserved communities, the Heart of Los Angeles FROST TECH Lab powered by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation will provide youth in Watts and surrounding communities access to innovative technology and STEAM-based education. This expansion builds on Heart of LA ongoing work at WLCAC, where they offer free programming in the arts, STEM, and college readiness.
The lab will feature dynamic programming by The Hidden Genius Project, an award-winning organization and long-time grantee of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. Their mission to train and mentor Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership will now reach deeper into the Watts community, introducing high-impact STEAM opportunities to all youth in the area.
Located at WLCAC’s Family Resource Center, the College Corner serves as a critical hub for academic advancement in the area. WLCAC, a longstanding pillar of the community, continues its commitment to advocacy, social services, and youth development, making this collaboration a powerful step forward in bringing lasting opportunities for the next generation.
Tony Brown, CEO at Heart of LA says:
“Through these collective efforts, the Heart of Los Angeles FROST TECH Lab Powered by TLFF will continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity, ensuring that Watts youth and community members have access to the tools and education they need to thrive. We are grateful to have such amazing partnerships in TLFF and WLCAC – with this powerful team, even more great opportunities will be made available to Watts area youth.[1]”
Larry Fitzgerald Jr., The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Founder, shared: “Investing in education and digital access is at the heart of our mission. We’re proud to partner with these incredible organizations to ensure every young person in Watts has the opportunity to dream big, build boldly and lead with purpose”.
Danielle Frost, Executive Director of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, has played a key role in facilitating this partnership being deeply connected to the Watts community. Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recognized the need for an improved digital learning space and sought to give back in a meaningful way.
”We believe when communities are equipped with the necessary tools and support, their potential is limitless. The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation is honored to partner with Heart of LA, in trusted community spaces like WLCAC’s College Corner at the Family Resource Center.” Danielle Frost said.
The Heart of Los Angeles FROST TECH Lab Powered by The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation will launch June 17, 2025 celebrating current programming by Heart of LA and new programs in coding, engineering, digital media, AI and more.
About Heart of Los Angeles
Heart of Los Angeles helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment. Our organization builds quality connections between K-12 leaders, families, and local organizations to holistically serve kids in Los Angeles’ historically underserved neighborhoods. For more information please visit Heartofla.org[2]
About The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation
Established in 2005, The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation creates equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities through youth education and breast cancer support. Inspired by the legacy of Larry’s mother, Carol, an advocate and founding member of the African American Breast Cancer Alliance, the Foundation continues her mission by supporting individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the areas of breast cancer awareness and youth education. Learn more at TheLarryFitzgeraldFoundation.org
About WLCAC
The Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) is a non-profit, community-based, human social services organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for South Central Los Angeles residents. For more information please visit wlcac.org
About The Hidden Genius Project
The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. The Hidden Genius Project, a national nonprofit organization, was founded in Oakland in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs/technologists who were unnerved by the dramatic juxtaposition between the high unemployment of Black male youth and the plethora of career opportunities within the local technology sector.
In Summer 2020, The Hidden Genius Project launched its Los Angeles site, offering a powerful and proven model to unlock the brilliance of Black male youth. Through hands-on, project-based learning and intensive mentorship, the organization provides a scalable pathway to opportunity, skill-building, and community transformation—empowering young people to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world while reshaping the future of innovation.
