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Our Impact

In fiscal year 2021-2022, LAEP served more than 11,300 children and families through its Early Childhood, Transform Schools, and CORE programs.

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Among the children served, 92% were Latinx, 6% were African-American, 18% were English Language Learners, 15% were students with disabilities, and 96% were socioeconomically disadvantaged.
85% of children in LAEP’s Early Head Start program met or exceeded developmental benchmarks in each learning domain after one year in the program.
Community members logged in to Northeast Valley Best Start community engagement meetings 1,050 times.
Nearly 100% of Early Head Start parents surveyed said they learned positive ways to cope with stress.
LAEP provided Transform Schools and CORE services to 183 schools across six Southern California counties.
The community schools team conducted 1,400 activities that engaged students, families, educators, and community members more than 42,500 times!
2,587 students at LAEP Teaching & Learning school sites benefitted from educator coaching and support around teaching and engaging students in the virtual school environment.
850 high school seniors received direct, one-on-one support from LAEP staff in submitting their college and financial aid applications.
608 educational leaders received equity-centered coaching, professional learning workshops, and communities of practice based in LAEP’s CORE work.
95% of CORE coaching participants believed their coach helped them to critically think through and implement change within their leadership that has had a direct impact on their campus.

Annual Impact Reports

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Our Statewide Reach

  • Early Head Start in South LA, Inglewood, and Hawthorne
  • Ready2Teach in LA County
  • Best Start Community in the Northeast San Fernando Valley
  • Transform Schools partner schools in South LA, East LA, the San Fernando Valley, and Jurupa Valley
  • Community Schools technical assistance in Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
  • 21CSLA programming provided by LAEP’s CORE team serves educational leaders in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties
  • Full-time CORE coaches in Jurupa Valley schools
  • Additional CORE workshops and coaching with educators throughout California, as far north as Alameda and Sacramento Counties

Over the years, LAEP has also provided technical assistance, professional development, and CORE work throughout the country.

Click or tap on the map to enlarge.

Map showing that, in 2023-2024, LAEP is working in Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial Counties

TRANSFORM EDUCATION

Power innovative programs that foster access and liberation for all.

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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.