LA's BEST Secures Major Grant to Launch Digital Equity Program Across 10 Los Angeles School Communities
LA's BEST has been awarded a nearly $720,000 grant from the California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Adoption Account to launch its Digital Bridges Initiative across 10 Los Angeles school communities. This grant is the second-largest in the history of LA's BEST and aims to enhance digital literacy and provide hands-on technology learning for students and families in line with the newly adopted LAUSD screen time policy.
The Digital Bridges Initiative will support approximately 2,000 students and their family members by offering instruction in digital citizenship, coding, robotics, media production, and emerging technology. Adults will also receive training in online safety, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital tools aimed at improving both career and family needs.
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin emphasized the importance of balancing screen time guidelines with ensuring that students and families are not left behind in the digital age. He described the initiative as a model of balanced technology access through guided learning and practical skills focused on well-being.
Assemblymember Mark González noted the existing barriers to technology access in Los Angeles, including unreliable internet and low levels of digital literacy. He expressed gratitude for LA's BEST's efforts to bridge this divide with the new funding and looks forward to future collaborations as services expand.
Michele Broadnax, President and CEO of LA's BEST, stated that ensuring digital fairness is crucial to achieving educational justice. She highlighted the organization's community-oriented approach which includes listening to student and family needs and delivering tailored resources aligned with District policies.
The grant will fund in-classroom computing devices, qualifying take-home devices, technical support, curriculum implementation, family engagement, and overall program execution. Funding comes from the Broadband Adoption Account of the California Advanced Services Fund, which is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission.