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.

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8 Comments

  1. It’s exciting to hear about the $720,000 grant for LA’s BEST to support the Digital Bridges Initiative. Expanding access to technology in those school communities is essential, especially as LAUSD introduces the new screen-time policy. I often utilize free online courses to sharpen my digital skills. Having access to such resources really makes a difference.

  2. It’s exciting to see LA’s BEST receiving such significant funding to enhance technology access for students. The Digital Bridges Initiative could really empower young learners in those school communities, especially with the upcoming screen-time policy changes. For additional support, I often utilize free online tutorials to bolster my own digital literacy.

  3. It’s exciting to see LA’s BEST receiving a grant to expand technology and digital literacy programs, especially through the Digital Bridges Initiative. This focus on tech is vital as LAUSD rolls out its new screen-time policy. It will definitely help students navigate the digital landscape more effectively. I often refer to free online tutorials for supplementary learning.

  4. It’s refreshing to see LA’s BEST receiving such substantial support to boost technology and digital literacy among students. The focus on the Digital Bridges Initiative especially highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing educational disparities. With LAUSD’s new screen-time policy on the horizon, this grant will likely provide crucial resources for students. For insights on digital literacy, I often rely on community workshops that offer great guidance.

  5. It’s promising to see LA’s BEST receiving such a substantial grant to expand its Digital Bridges Initiative. Providing students with enhanced access to technology and digital literacy is crucial, especially as LAUSD develops its new screen-time policy. Having resources like community grants can really make a difference in these efforts. I often find local education forums to be a helpful free resource for supporting tech initiatives.

  6. It’s exciting to see LA’s BEST receiving nearly $720,000 to expand technology programs for students. The Digital Bridges Initiative could really benefit those in the targeted communities, especially as LAUSD rolls out its new screen-time policy. I often rely on free online tutorials to enhance my own digital skills, which can be a great complement to such initiatives.

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