Pathways to Excellence: Enhancing Education and Economic Opportunities for Underrepresented Students in Los Angeles

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Economic disparities in LA are stark. Research shows that Latino and Black youth face considerable barriers to accessing quality education, which hampers their economic prospects. A study by the Public Policy Institute of CA found that students from low-income families and minority groups often attend under-resourced schools, leading to lower academic achievement and reduced college enrollment rates. Eliminating barriers to high-quality education is imperative, as research on youth economic advancement in LA highlights the significant role of education in promoting upward mobility. Studies by the CA Policy Lab indicate that access to high-quality education, particularly in early childhood and K-12, correlates strongly with improved economic outcomes in adulthood. Research from UCLA’s Luskin School also shows that educational attainment significantly impacts employment opportunities and earning potential, with higher education levels linked to greater economic stability.

Axis partners with LA independent schools to create pathways for underrepresented students of color to access, navigate, and thrive in private education. Established in 2020, Axis removes barriers to admissions, promotes inclusive environments, and drives upward economic mobility for people of color. The grant supports the Axis Student Placement Program, enhancing youth economic advancement by providing access to high-quality independent education. Axis supports students and their families through Information Sessions about Independent Schools, Partner School Fairs, Skill Readiness Workshops, Test Preparation Workshops, Interview Exposure Events, and Financial Aid Workshops to guide families through the admissions process. We meet one-on-one with our families as they apply to independent schools to determine the best fit. Additionally, we offer a common application that families can use to apply to up to five of our 35 Partner Schools. Axis does not stop once students gain admission to Partner Schools; we provide continuous support for academic and social growth, which is crucial for long-term economic success. By ensuring students receive a world-class education, Axis helps build strong academic foundations, facilitates access to prestigious colleges, and improves career prospects. This initiative addresses broader economic disparities through skill-building and networking, aiming for significant, sustainable economic advancement for underrepresented youth in LA.

Axis envisions a transformative impact on Los Angeles County by reshaping its independent school landscape to mirror the city's rich diversity. Currently, only 11% of California's private school students are Black or Latino, despite comprising 57% of the state's population. Axis addresses this inequity by guiding underrepresented students and families of color through admissions and supporting their success within independent schools. Partnering with 35 schools across diverse regions—from the South Bay to Central LA to Pasadena—Axis ensures a broad-reaching impact, fostering inclusive environments and advancing social justice initiatives. By enhancing access, fostering equity, and preparing students for leadership roles, Axis envisions a thriving educational ecosystem where every student, regardless of their background, has equitable access to opportunities that empower them to succeed academically and professionally, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Los Angeles County.

Axis’ impactful outcomes include diversifying independent schools by guiding and supporting students and families of color in the admissions process. Axis currently has a 94% acceptance rate across 3 of its cohorts, and in our 3rd cohort, 98% of our students were accepted in independent schools. Further, we help Axis families' financial needs get met by our Partner Schools. With our guidance, our Partner Schools offered over $1M in financial aid to Axis applicants this year. Ongoing support extends to 86 students measured by metrics such as retention rates, GPAs, college matriculation, and qualitatively through program satisfaction surveys distributed yearly. Diversification, itself, is a tangible outcome. Axis’ student demographics: 83% Black, 10% Latino, and 5% Asian, with 25% from low-income households and 70% from middle-income backgrounds, spanning regions across LA. Axis reflects the heterogeneity that makes LA, LA. For more impact data, check out our annual report!