LA Tech Cares and EdVoice: Advancing Educational Equity
By Team Kwanza Jones
Imagine two kids, same age, same grade. One has nearly double the proficiency rate in English Language Arts and more than twice the proficiency rate in math compared to the other from a low-income community. Or think about a classroom where only 37% of students are considered college-ready upon high school graduation, while in another school across town, it’s 66%.
These are the realities faced by students from low-income communities in California. It’s not a matter of ability; it’s about access. Early education, quality teachers, rigorous courses, as well as literacy and numeracy support are huge factors. Supplemental supports like enrichment activities, afterschool programs, and technology, along with stability in food, safety, and shelter, are also essential. You can learn more here.
The Beginning of LA Tech Cares
Back in 2020, Kwanza Jones, Brett Brewer, and Brian Lee saw the educational disparities widening due to the pandemic. They decided to act, creating LA Tech Cares to bridge the gap. Nick Kim later joined the team. What began as a temporary project quickly evolved into a sustained effort to support underserved students in Los Angeles.
Over the years, LA Tech Cares has teamed up with various organizations to drive impactful change. This year, they celebrated five years of providing access to high-quality education for California’s most underserved students.
In the following video, Nick Kim speaks on the progress of LA Tech Cares.
A History of Effective Partnerships
LA Tech Cares started by partnering with Alliance College-Ready Public Schools to provide Wi-Fi hotspots and broadband access to 3,000 students who didn't have reliable internet at home. This ensured students could continue their education during the lockdown.
In 2021, LA Tech Cares focused on helping students recover from the pandemic's academic, social, and emotional toll. Partnering with the LA Education Recovery Fund, they funded mental health support and extracurricular activities to aid in the recovery process.
The following year, they turned their attention to STEM education, partnering with 9 Dots, an organization that introduces coding programs in underserved schools. This initiative provided hands-on learning experiences, sparking creativity and equipping students with essential skills for the future.
In 2023, LA Tech Cares teamed up with LA-Tech.org to help create pathways into the tech industry for underrepresented students. LA-Tech.org offers access to careers in tech through readiness tools, coaching, and internships.
2024: Partnering with EdVoice
This year, LA Tech Cares is partnering with EdVoice, a nonprofit reshaping public education in California by changing state policy so that children from low-income communities receive high-quality education.
As Kwanza said during LA Tech Cares’ 5th-anniversary event, policy change is necessary to address the root causes of inequity in education. EdVoice is leading the charge in advocating for educational policies that prioritize equity and access. Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, also spoke on the importance of LA Tech Cares during the event.
Supporting EdVoice will amplify its ability to influence lawmakers and raise public awareness about educational disparities. By backing EdVoice, LA Tech Cares ensures that educational policy concerns reach those with the power to effect meaningful change, creating a broader, more sustainable impact on the education system.
Everyone has the power to create change. This power doesn't just come from financial contributions; it can come from using your voice and taking action. If you’re feeling motivated to help bridge the educational disparities for underserved students, here are some things you can do:
- Donate to EdVoice. Your contributions will directly support our initiatives and help us reach more students.
- Share LA Tech Care’s mission with your network and raise awareness about the importance of educational equity.
- If you have a personal experience with public education or an idea for future policy you’d like to see implemented, share your story here.
A rising tide lifts all boats. When all students receive a quality education, it impacts everyone. So, whether you give your time, talent, or treasure, your contribution makes a difference. Join LA Tech Cares to amplify voices, create change, and build a brighter future for all.
For more information, visit LA Tech Cares.
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