The L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative hosted a Community of Practice on Aug. 5 focused on the impact of College Promise programs across Los Angeles. The session, convened by UNITE-LA, explored strategies for strengthening student-centered infrastructure and scaling equity-driven approaches for counselors, Promise Coordinators and student support professionals.

The session included an interactive data presentation from WestEd that grounded the discussion in regional, state and national data, highlighting trends in retention, completion and the role of wraparound support in improving outcomes for students with complex needs. Dr. Deborah Harrington, Dean for Student Success/Executive Director of 3CSN at LACCD, and Dr. Elijah Sims, Director of the Long Beach College Promise, shared program models from their districts, including funding structures, expansion of eligibility criteria and new approaches to student engagement, including summer transition programs. Across the discussion, presenters emphasized the importance of district partnerships, counselor involvement and the ongoing evolution of the College Promise, reinforcing collective engagement as key to sustaining these programs as powerful drivers of college access and completion.

For the session recording, slide deck and related resources, please visit the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative Technical Assistance webpage.

For more information, please reach out to Adam Gottlieb, Director of Postsecondary Strategy & Policy, at [email protected]