We’re excited to share a mid-year update on some of the incredible work of our 2025 grantee cohort. This year, instead of written reports, five recipients of the Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation supported LA2050 Grants Challenge awards joined us for a conversation to reflect on their progress. We’ve summarized that discussion to highlight key accomplishments, lessons learned, and what’s ahead for each organization.

So far this year, the cohort has made significant progress advancing solutions that strengthen youth economic advancement and adult literacy across Los Angeles County, from building hands-on workforce pathways and wraparound supports, to helping adult learners strengthen literacy skills and build confidence to participate in their communities.

Keep reading for key takeaways from our full discussion with: Compton Advocates Coalition, CSUDH Black Resource Center, Los Angeles Reporting Collective, Green House South L.A./Redeemer Community Partnership, and Veterans Supplemental Support Network.

Adult Literacy: Practical and Community-Informed Learning Builds Confidence

Across the adult literacy projects, a clear theme emerged: learning sticks when it’s grounded in real situations people are facing, and designed with learners, not just for them. Organizations emphasized helping participants navigate modern barriers (from job search realities to information overload) while building the confidence and momentum that makes ongoing participation possible.

What’s working for organizations is pairing practical, real-life skill-building with learning experiences shaped by community input.

• “What we found is that there’s been little to no research focused on older learners and news literacy. So instead of starting with assumptions, we’re working to fill that gap by hosting listening sessions around the region to better understand the needs and experiences of seniors. From there, we’ll develop resources grounded in what we hear. Ultimately, the goal is to document our findings in a white paper so it contributes to a body of research that others can use to support older learners.” - Los Angeles Reporting Collective
• “We’re focusing on the realities of today’s job search: scams, AI, keywords, and the tools people need to navigate current hiring systems. We’re bringing these practical tools to the community to help close the gap, and we’re pairing them with civic engagement activities so participants feel more aware of how they can get involved.” - Compton Advocates Coalition

Youth Economic Advancement: Momentum Grows When Pathways are Visible and Supported

Across youth economic advancement, grantees emphasized that “readiness” is only one part of the equation, progress accelerates when young people can see concrete options and get sustained support to move through them. Organizations described building clearer onramps into training and work, while also navigating the systems and approvals that shape what’s possible.

What’s working for organizations is creating tangible pathways and building the partnerships that help young people move from stabilization to training to placement.

• “A key structural barrier…is the disconnect between K-12 systems, workforce pipelines, and family awareness of the skilled trades. So we’re addressing this by creating a community-rooted workforce demonstration home, a practical example of how our youth can make this happen, and how families can actually see what these pathways look like.” - Green House South L.A./Redeemer Community Partnership
• “What we are seeing is that veterans don’t just need information—they need someone to walk alongside them while they apply it. When navigation, training, and mentorship are connected, the learning becomes practical and the transition becomes achievable.” - Veterans Supplemental Support Network

Expanding Options is Empowerment

A throughline across the entire cohort was the importance of widening what people believe is possible, and making multiple routes forward feel legitimate and achievable. Whether participants are pursuing education, training, or another pathway, organizations are pushing beyond narrow narratives and investing in exploration, choice, and agency.

What’s working for organizations is treating exploration and expanded options as a real outcome, not a side benefit.

• “The students we have spoken with are excited, it was just really a blessing. I was talking to a student yesterday and she was like, ‘Wait, I get a stipend too?’ So we’re grateful to see their excitement…and how this is bridging not only their passion, but the lead faculty passion as well…” - CSUDH Black Resource Center

Together, these five organizations are showing what it looks like to move youth economic advancement and adult literacy forward in ways that are practical, community-led, and built for long term impact. We’re grateful to the Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation for making this work possible, and to each grantee for the leadership they bring to Los Angeles County. We look forward to sharing more as the cohort continues building momentum, and to learning alongside them as they strengthen the systems, supports, and opportunities that help young people and adult learners move from aspiration to action.

Photo Credit: CSUDH Black Resource Center