Civic and Community

Through its Education and Career Development programs, Bresee Foundation enriches and improves the lives of at-risk youth in central Los Angeles. Building on over 20 years of youth development experience, Bresee’s educational and experiential activities include mentoring by staff and volunteers to help young people achieve academically and socially, avoid gang involvement and delinquent behavior, and encourage their growth and development as successful, productive members of society. Education assistance includes homework help, one-on-one tutoring in reading and math, college preparation, scholarships, technology and multimedia training, leadership development, workplace readiness and paid internships. Bresee places a strong emphasis on mentoring by staff and volunteers, but also on peer mentoring as high school leadership students mentor the middle school students. This encourages a sense of responsibility and a habit of community service among participants. Other youth services offered include sports, leagues, summer camps, trips, parenting classes and a health clinic. Through all of its programs and services, Bresee will assist 1,500 youth, ages 11-18, to set and achieve positive goals as students and for their long-term success in life. The grant will support the education and career development programs over two years.