Unite-La Inc

UNITE-LA works to transform and align public systems to achieve education and workforce equity in the L.A. region. "Systems Changes" includes L.A. Compact, K-16 Collaborative, LA-DEAL, and more: L.A. Compact - Since 2008, UNITE-LA has convened the L.A. Compact, a bold commitment to close the education and workforce gaps caused by systemic inequities and racism. The L.A. Compact brings together the region's most prominent leaders to collectively lead transformative change with UNITE-LA in the unique role of intermediary to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. K-16 Collaborative - The L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative is a collective effort to close racial and gender attainment gaps in postsecondary education and employment in L.A. County, starting with a focus on streamlined pathways to health care, engineering and computer science careers. Following a state grant award last August to launch the Collaborative, UNITE-LA is working with West Ed and a stewardship group of cross-sector partners to guide a sub-grant award process that is allocating $13.9 million across five sub-regions of L.A. County. These regional partnerships will coalesce K-12, higher ed, workforce and community partners around a shared plan to accelerate degree attainment in high-growth fields for students of color. LA-DEAL - The Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) designated Regional Broadband Consortium for L.A. County, is committed to eliminating the digital divide by addressing the related challenges. LA DEAL is a collaborative, community-driven consortium working to assess and tackle broadband gaps that exist in communities across L.A. County. In 2024, LA DEAL launched Community Broadband Los Angeles (CBLA) to close gaps in internet access, increase internet affordability and combat digital redlining by advancing community-owned broadband infrastructure projects. Some other areas where UNITE-LA's Systems Team engaged cross-sector, cross-segmental partners in L.A. County included: Partnering with the City of Los Angeles' Economic Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and the Los Angeles Opportunity Youth Collaborative (OYC), co-convened by UNITE-LA and the Alliance for Children's Rights, for The Horizons 32K Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Empowerment for Los Angeles' Opportunity Youth. This collective impact plan aims to reduce the number of OY in Los Angeles by 32,000 over four years. Playing a key role in shaping and advancing the Governor's Master Plan for Career Education. UNITE-LA co-hosted the L.A./O.C. Regional Convening with the Governor's Office and WestEd, where more than 100 leaders identified barriers to career pathways and explored solutions in areas such as access, affordability and work-based learning. Convening workforce development practitioners and leaders across California's workforce ecosystem to identify gaps and challenges in supporting individuals' access to family-sustaining careers to develop Empowering California's Workforce: Strategic Recommendations for Systemic Improvement. This was possible with support from Michelson 20 MM Foundation. Continuing improvement and innovation through LAUSD's Community Schools Initiative. UNITE-LA serves as co-convener and project manager for the Community Schools Steering Committee.

UNITE-LA works closely with key stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels to champion policies and investments that promote equitable economic mobility for our region's diverse talent. By leveraging innovative, cradle-through-career strategies and fostering strong partnerships with the business community, UNITE-LA's collaborative policy efforts stand out as impactful and transformative. "Policy" includes Education Means Business and Strengthening and Advancing Equity through Business Engagement: Education Means Business - Policy's "Education Means Business" webinar series provides diverse stakeholders in the region, including the business community, with the opportunity to connect with and hear from content experts, elected officials and community leaders on the latest policy topics impacting education and workforce development areas. Strengthening and Advancing Equity through Business Engagement - In 2024, UNITE-LA expanded its business partnerships network by more than 20 percent, boasting more than 40 organizations and ethnic/affinity chambers of commerce focused on cradle-through-career education and workforce development. UNITE-LA also participated in advocacy trips to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento alongside leading business associations to raise the profile of the organization's advocacy priorities.