Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative
In December of 1993 Walter H. Annenberg granted $500 million to improve public schools as a “Challenge to the Nation.” Breed St. Elementary became one recipient of this money allocated specifically to help parent engagement in the school. Today, the Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative includes an array of community partners, including, parents, local businesses, community groups, teachers and administrators, university administrators, and public health clinics. According to Associate Director Olga Quiñones, the BHLC is attempting to put into practice the whole concept of “it takes a village to raise a child.” The goal of the BHLC is to enable parents to become better advocates for their children through the support of the community. “It’s a lot of work. It’s not easy. But we all have this vision of everybody helping to raise our children.” By working together, the collaborative is able to approach the key issues that the community faces, such as, crime, health and education. One of the primary goals for the BHLC is to become self-sustaining through the community. “We’re hoping that the community can take the BHLC and embrace it as the community’s collaborative.”
Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative’s Partners
The Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), HIPPY, El Centro de Ayuda, The YOM (Youth Opportunity Movement), President of Cal State Los Angeles and East Los Angeles Community College.
