In February, UNITE-LA and the LAUSD Division of Instruction co-convened an advisory group composed of LAUSD students, parents, administrators and counselors; higher education institutions; and community organizations to advise on the design and support of a new strategic plan to ensure college and career success. This stems from LAUSD Board Resolution, "Got a Plan for That? Removing Barriers to College and Career Success." The group will develop a districtwide strategy for all LAUSD students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application and a post-graduation planning component in the student's Individual Graduation Plan. Additionally, it encourages district and school leaders to partner with the community to support students in completing their applications and plan for their futures.

The advisory group has made some real strides in the development of the plan. Over the course of three meetings, advisory members have reviewed relevant baseline data on college-going rates and financial aid completion in LAUSD; reviewed and offered feedback on interview and focus group questions for LAUSD students, alumni, personnel and partners; and learned best practices from other communities that lead in this work.

Over the next several months, the advisory group will convene to gain a broader understanding of college transitions and use that knowledge to ideate and eventually develop a plan for LAUSD to implement. The plan is slated for implementation in the 2022-23 school year.

If you would like more information, please contact Adam Gottlieb, Associate Director of Postsecondary Initiatives, [email protected].