Heart of Los Angeles Youth Inc

In neighborhoods often overrun by poverty, crime, and a feeling of hopelessness, Heart of Los Angeles invests in youth to build stronger communities. Heart of Los Angeles gives at-risk youth a chance to succeed in life. 

HOLA is thrilled to be a part of the #GivingTuesday movement to kick off our annual holiday fundraising drive. We are raising funds to provide free art and music classes, free academic tutoring and college prep, free soccer and basketball leagues, free summer camp, free Christmas presents and meals, and much much more.

For nearly 25 years, HOLA has been transforming lives and communities with quality programs that open up a world of possibilities for inner-city youth. From what started with just a handful of kids in a dilapidated gym, today HOLA serves over 2,400 youth ages 6-24, in a safe and supportive environment. HOLA provides opportunities and lays pathways to success for youth who are eager for the chance. 

Mission: Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities.

Demographics: HOLA provides over 2,400 youth, ages 6-19, with free after-school programming in arts, athletics and academics. HOLA’s members are 75% Latino, 7% Asian American, 14% African American, and 4% other ethnicities, closely reflecting the demographic composition of the Rampart/ Westlake District, the second most densely populated area in the United States!

Need: HOLA’s education programs meet the needs of those youth with the least amount of resources. Of the families attending HOLA, approximately 90% are living at or below the poverty level and struggle each day to simply survive.

Facilities: All HOLA programs take place in a four-building, 24,000 square foot campus in the heart of Los Angeles, in and around Lafayette Park. Facilities include multiple classrooms, an art gallery, libraries and studios, computer labs, music/orchestra rooms and more. 

Successes: 100% of seniors in our high school program graduate and over 90% g on to college. HOLA has over 200 alumni in colleges and universities nationwide, including Cal States, UCs, Brown, Colombia, USC, and Wellesley.