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Get Ready to Make a Difference this GivingTuesday with Our 40/40 Challenge

Just launched! LAEP’s 40/40 Challenge celebrates our 40th anniversary with a $40 donation goal. Join us in making a lasting impact in our LA community.

For 40 years, we’ve been dedicated to transforming education in Los Angeles, and we’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey as we approach Giving Tuesday which takes place on December 3, 2024.

As the first nonprofit in LA to focus on educational equity, we’re committed to providing free programs and resources for students, families, and aspiring educators. From early childhood education to college and career readiness, we believe everyone deserves access to quality learning opportunities.

Let’s ensure another 40 years of impactful education! Help us raise $40,000 to empower students and transform communities.

  • 4 Free = Share newsletter or graphics below with four people
  • $40 = Educational, developmentally appropriate toys for one child
  • $400 = College readiness support for a high school student
  • $4,000 = Career and professional development for educators and administrators
  • $40,000 = Support organizational sustainability and program growth in 2025

Help students, parents, and educators thrive. With your support, we can continue to transform education for the community, with the community, from diapers to diplomas.

Make a tax-deductible Early Giving Tuesday gift today.

Read Press Release

Thank you for your generosity.

**Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving that brings in significant donations for nonprofit organizations each year. People all around the world come together to donate funds, resources, time, and their voices to the cause. 

“As we celebrate 40 years of educational service, LAEP is launching our 40/40 Challenge. We are asking supporters to gift a $40 donation, a representation of our 40th anniversary, to help us transform education for the community, with the community, from diapers to diplomas,” stated Dr. Dawn A. Kurtz, CEO of LAEP. “The contributions of our supporters will directly impact the lives of countless students, families, and educators. We encourage all to join us in making a difference on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.”

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LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.