LA’s BEST, which provides after-school, before-school and summer programs for Los Angeles Unified students, announced Wednesday that it has received a nearly $720,000 grant to expand technology and digital literacy programs.
The California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Adoption Account grant will support the organization’s Digital Bridges Initiative in 10 Los Angeles school communities, according to LA’s BEST.
The initiative comes as LAUSD prepares to implement a new screen-time policy that will limit classroom use of electronic devices beginning in the upcoming school year. LA’s BEST officials said the program is designed to provide guided technology instruction while remaining consistent with the district’s restrictions on student screen use.
The program is expected to provide digital literacy support to approximately 2,000 students and family members.
Students will receive instruction in areas including digital citizenship, coding, robotics, media production and emerging technology, while parents and caregivers will receive training in online safety, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital tools, officials said.
Grant funding will also support classroom computing devices, take-home devices, technical support, curriculum delivery and family engagement efforts.
“As we set stronger guardrails around screen time, we also have to ensure students and families are not left behind in an increasingly digital world,” Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin said in a statement.
The organization said the grant is the second-largest award in its history.
Founded in 1988, LA’s BEST serves more than 24,000 students annually through programs offered at Los Angeles Unified elementary school campuses.