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2024 Grants Challenge

Journey 2 Learning

This grant will support a program that funds educational field trips for urban youth, aimed at closing the academic achievement gap. By providing hands-on learning experiences and exposure to cultural, scientific, and historical sites, the program enhances academic performance, increases student engagement, and fosters social and emotional development. These field trips will ensure equitable access to enriching educational opportunities, contributing to the long-term success and well-being of urban students.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

K-12 STEAM education

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Working to close the Academic Achievement Gap requires trying new innovative ways to engage students in learning. Experiential education, learning be doing and participating will increase students motivation and involvement by connecting real-world experiences to in-school, and in-class academic learning

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

We aim to tackle the persistent academic achievement gap faced by marginalized BIPOC students, Black boys, homeless youth, foster care youth, and students with disabilities, as evidenced by lower test scores, grades, and graduation rates among these students compared to their more advantaged peers.
Traditional instruction has failed these students, making it difficult for them to see the relevance of academic achievement in their lives and futures. This has led higher dropout rates, absenteeism, and overall disengagement from the educational system. Additionally, many lack access to enriching extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning.
Journey 2 Learning uses experiential education to bridge the gap between academics and real-world applications. By providing hands-on learning opportunities through field trips, S.T.E.A.M. activities, and community service projects, we connect class knowledge with practical experiences. This increases students' motivation and involvement by showing them the real-world relevance of their studies.
We also offer stipends, scholarships, and necessary supplies to support success. Trained staff and mentors provide guidance and encouragement, addressing the individual needs of each student. Journey 2 Learning creates an engaging, relevant, and equitable educational experience, aiming to close the academic achievement gap and empower youth to achieve.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

Marginalized students,will show improved school attendance, academic performance, higher test scores, and increased graduation rates, and lower dropout rates, which will narrow the academic achievement gap, creating a more equitable educational environment. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and real-world applications will make education more relevant and exciting, fostering a lifelong love for learning. Through community service projects, students will build ties with the communities, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Exposure to postsecondary educational options and career pathways will broaden students' horizons, inspiring them to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. Financial support, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences will ensure that all students, have the resources and opportunities to succeed. Los Angeles County will become a more educated, cohesive, and inclusive community where they can make meaningful contributions.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

Academic Performance Improvements: Pre- and post-program assessments to measure changes in students' grades, test scores, and overall academic performance. Enhanced Engagement and Motivation: Student attendance and participation rates will be monitored. Postsecondary and Career Readiness: We will track students' awareness and interest in postsecondary education and career options via surveys before and after program participation. Community Engagement and Impact: The number of community service hours completed by students and feedback from community partners will gauge the program's impact on fostering civic responsibility.
These measures will collectively provide a comprehensive picture of the Journey to Learning program's impact on students' academic, social, and personal development.

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 300.0

Indirect Impact: 1,200.0