This year’s community graduation was nothing short of inspiring. Over the course of the event, 167 resilient young individuals proudly walked the stage. Program directors gave their final words of advice for students moving to new programs. HOLA CEO Tony Brown, Board Fellow Carmen Palao, and Assistant General Manager of LA’s Department of Recreation and Parks Brenda Aguirre all delivered impactful speeches that resonated deeply with our graduating youth. The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of the Washington Preparatory High School JROTC color guard and an audience filled with parents, volunteers, and donors who cheered on these awesome kids.
We are especially proud to announce that this year we celebrated our largest graduating university class in HOLA history. From teaching credentials to law degrees and from engineers to creative writers, HOLA alumni are leading the charge in every industry.
At Heart of Los Angeles, we are committed to transforming lives and creating pathways to higher education for our deserving graduates. Your continued generosity and dedication to LA’s youth ensure that we can continue to expand our impact and nurture the future leaders in our community.
We are immensely proud of all our graduates and extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in our youth and fostering a supportive community that believes in their potential. As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates and look ahead to the future, we are reminded of the vital role each of you (as students, parents, staff, alumni, volunteers, and donors) play in shaping youth development in our city.
Together, we are building a community where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
We need your help to ensure education is accessible to all, regardless of family income! Your gift to Heart of Los Angeles provides school supplies, tutoring, art classes, instruments, and so much more to LA’s youth at no cost to their families. Make a gift today, and support the incoming Class of 2025!


