We Outside: Reclaiming Outdoor Space for Wellness and Belonging

Green space, park access, and trees

Central LA South LA West LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

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

Underserved communities in Los Angeles face deep inequities in access to outdoor space, movement, and mental health resources. Children in these neighborhoods are more likely to experience high screen time, limited physical activity, and chronic disconnection from wellness and academic support. Education Is Key was founded to break these cycles, combining scholarships, mentorship, and wellness programming to uplift youth who are often overlooked. We recognize that for too many, outdoor space does not feel safe or accessible. We Outside is our bold response: a joyful, healing, public field day that reclaims community space as a site of belonging, connection, and opportunity.

Education Is Key will produce We Outside 2026, a one-day outdoor community field day that transforms public space into a vibrant hub for healing, learning, and joy. The event is rooted in our mission to provide mentorship, scholarships, and tangible resources for youth and families who face systemic barriers to education and wellness.
Hosted in an accessible Los Angeles park, We Outside offers:
– Physical activity zones with tournaments, games, and fitness challenges designed for connection and confidence-building
– Wellness stations featuring art, journaling, face painting, and emotional health tools to support self-expression and mental well-being
– Resource booths offering direct support with housing aid, academic tutoring, scholarship navigation, job readiness, and more
– Live cultural performances and motivational speakers that celebrate identity and community pride
– On-site fundraising and scholarship ceremonies, where attendees can support Education Is Key’s ongoing programs, and youth recipients are honored publicly for their academic commitment and resilience
This event is not just about a day in the park, it’s a mobilizing space that fuels Education Is Key’s larger ecosystem of support. We Outside sustains and uplifts our year-round work by engaging the community in direct giving, recognition, and resource-sharing. The 2026 event will serve 300+ residents and deepen our reach across Los Angeles.

If We Outside 2026 is successful, public parks in Los Angeles will become more than passive backdrops, they will be reclaimed as active tools for racial equity, youth empowerment, and family wellness. Families in historically excluded neighborhoods will experience free access to culturally affirming movement, healing, and education resources. Education Is Key will continue to bridge wellness and opportunity in joyful, visible ways. Over time, We Outside becomes more than a field day, it becomes a countywide symbol of what’s possible when community space is centered on care, equity, and the brilliance of Black and Brown youth.