LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved matching funds to create a $1 million investment in programs aimed at addressing trauma and increasing academic achievement for boys and young men of color.
The Department of Mental Health will spend $575,000 over two years and the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Challenge will provide the balance in a grant.
Supervisor Hilda Solis recommended joining the MBK Challenge in 2015. The money will be used to help jump-start initiatives, build capacity, support evaluation and attract additional resources and partners.
“Improving outcomes for young people, especially young people of color, is essential for the next generation, their families and our communities,” Solis said. “This award shows what can be accomplished when L.A. County partners with local organizations to improve opportunities for our greatest resource: our youth.”
The MBK Challenge campaign was launched in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama, who called on local governments to develop plans to close educational and opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color.
The campaign plans to provide strategic support and more than $5 million in funding to select communities nationwide to expand evidence-based initiatives to reduce youth violence, grow effective mentorship programs and measurably improve the lives of boys and young men of color.
The Liberty Hill Foundation was the lead organization for the county’s grant application, which included a coalition of several nonprofit organizations.
Solis pointed to successes already underway in eliminating opportunity gaps, including a new unit focused on diversion and re-entry for youthful offenders, a countywide mentoring program and the Bridges program, which educates youth about public sector careers and helps prepare them for success.
“Ensuring that every child and young person has an equal shot at a good education and career is exactly why I entered public service,” Solis said.
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Randy Simpson says
Whites and Handing Over Their Daughters and Wives at an Alarming Rate Breeding Beautiful Children
Karen says
The article states…. especially those of color….. what color? Is there a color to the lords children?
Reality says
“77% black births to single moms, 49% for Hispanic immigrants. There is good evidence that children born to unmarried parents are at higher risk of dropping out of high school, having run-ins with the law, and other negative social outcomes.”
The Washington Examiner was the source.
This sums it all up.
Rufus Dufus says
Washington Examiner is Fake News just Like Infowars and Braibart
Out of Wedlock says
NPR and CNN had researched and reported similar numbers.
Hoping for change says
All of negative comments are really sad. One can only hope for change in a world that is so bent sent on being part of the problem rather than trying to assist with a solution. But what do I know I’m just a single mom with a doctorate.
Seriously says
So there saying black men are unable to be successful in life without additional help and guidance from the government. Sounds raciest to me your saying I’m too dumb to do my own research for a good job in this world, and be successful. We will never be taken serious with programs and handouts and excuses.
Foundation Grant says
Obama and Solis are indeed implying just that. It is a form of soft/PC racism.