ANNUAL REPORT
DRIVE TO THRIVE
2026
OUR MISSION
Ednovate’s mission is to create Positive Multigenerational Change by providing tuition-free, college-prep education with a focus on first-generation, college-bound high school students across Southern California. From day one on our 21st-century campuses, students receive the academic challenge and personal support they need to turn their college dreams into reality.
A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear Ednovate Community,
Thanks to your unwavering partnership, Ednovate continued to provide a high-quality, innovative student experience rooted in our Whole Child approach. During a year of leadership transition, we lived out our theme, Drive to Thrive, remaining steady, focused, and committed to the best outcomes for students.
In School Year 2025-26:
100% of graduating seniors earned acceptance to a four-year college or university for the second consecutive year.
644 graduates earned more than $50 million in scholarships and received thousands of acceptances from 200+ colleges and universities.
Ednovate students outperformed state and local benchmarks on key measures of academic achievement and college readiness.
345+ Community Schools events engaged more than 28,800 participants, strengthening support and connection for students and families.
We continued expanding opportunity in Orange County, preparing to welcome the founding Class of 2030 at Atlas College Prep.
These milestones reflect the strength of our entire community. Together, we are driving toward thriving futures and Positive Multigenerational Change.
Better Together,
Kate Hirsh
Ednovate Board Chair
Impact at a Glance
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Outperforming Benchmarks. Expanding Opportunity.
Ednovate students consistently outperform state and local benchmarks on key measures of academic achievement and college readiness. These results are even more significant when compared with outcomes for Latinx, Black, and economically disadvantaged students—populations that make up the majority of the students Ednovate serves.
Across measures of literacy, college and career readiness, and eligibility for California's public universities, Ednovate students are demonstrating that when students have access to rigorous academics and the right support, they can thrive.
When Olivia Martinez arrived at Legacy College Prep, she imagined attending college close to home. After participating in a Harvard college prep program, she began envisioning something bigger: universities across the country and a future studying international law.
“It made me realize that Ednovate provides opportunities you didn't have before. You become your best self, the version you didn't know you could be.”
Advanced Placement | Dual Enrollment | Project-Based Learning | College Counseling | Daily Advisory
The Ednovate Experience
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The Whole Child Report Card
At Ednovate, success is measured by more than grades. Through our Whole Child Report Card, students drive their education and receive ongoing feedback on the habits, mindsets, and life skills that prepare them to thrive in college, career, and their communities.
For Yoleth, a senior at USC East College Prep, developing these skills has shaped how she sees both herself and her future. Through leadership and civic engagement opportunities, she has learned to think critically, lead with purpose, and recognize the power of her own voice.
“Being told we were the future that could make change gave me hope.”
That experience strengthened Yoleth's commitment to pursuing a career in civil rights law—and reflects what the Whole Child Report Card is designed to cultivate: students who know who they are, believe in what they can contribute, and have the skills to turn that purpose into action.
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Athletics
Ednovate's athletics program continues to grow, creating more opportunities for students to compete, connect, and find a team where they belong. Last year, Encore College Prep completed its first season as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member, while USC South LA, Brío, and Esperanza became full CIF members.
The growth of athletics at Ednovate shows up clearly in the girls flag football league, now in its second year. When Dyana Pena joined the team, she didn't know how to properly throw a ball or run a route. A year later, she was her team's quarterback—and what she gained extended far beyond the field.
“Being a good player, or even having good players, isn't what wins games. It's when we uplift each other and believe in each other as a team.”
For Dyana and student-athletes across Ednovate, sports are about more than competition. They're an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, leadership, and a deeper sense of belonging.
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Positive Multigenerational Change Journeys
At Ednovate, learning is about more than completing an assignment. It's about helping students understand who they are, discover what matters to them, and recognize how they can make a difference.Every student participates in a four-year Positive Multigenerational Change (PMC) Journey connecting classroom learning to real-world, personal, and community experiences.
Through research, service, internships, community experiences, and a culminating Senior Capstone, students build confidence, critical thinking, and a stronger sense of purpose.
At Encore Arts and Media College Prep, students explore migration, identity, resistance, and injustice through history, art, and storytelling. Science teacher Andrew Hoekstra saw the difference when students began thinking beyond the requirements of a project:
“It was no longer just, ‘What do I need to do to finish this?’ It became, ‘What am I actually trying to say?”
PMC Journeys give students opportunities to make those connections throughout all four years at Ednovate.
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Advisory Model
Every Ednovate student is paired with the same advisor and cohort of peers throughout high school. They begin and end each day together in Advisory, building relationships that often become like family and continue beyond graduation.Advisors help students set goals, navigate challenges, prepare for college, and access academic, social-emotional, and wellness support. Over four years, they come to know their students deeply and can recognize when additional support is needed.
At graduation, that four-year relationship comes full circle when advisors announce each of their students as they cross the stage—a core Ednovate tradition.
“You're with these students five days a week, twice a day, for four years. You build authentic relationships, and watching them walk across the graduation stage after being part of their journey for four years is incredibly meaningful.”
— Kiera Hecker, Teacher, Ednovate Virtual Academy
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Signature Events
This year, Ednovate launched two new network-wide traditions that gave students more ways to challenge themselves, showcase their talents, and connect across schools.
At the inaugural Ednovate Science Bowl, students put their STEM knowledge and teamwork to the test in a fast-paced competition spanning biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
“The Science Bowl gave students the chance to see that success isn't just about what you know. It's about learning to rely on one another and succeed as a team.”
— Elizabeth Peoples, Brío College Prep Science Teacher
The inaugural Ednovate Short Film Festival gave student filmmakers a different kind of stage. After nearly withdrawing her film, Jasmine Arize of Esperanza College Prep took a chance and submitted her work—ultimately earning Best Picture.
“The Film Festival gave our students a validating outlet to showcase their creativity to a larger audience. Seeing their work recognized by a panel of judges made the experience feel real and inspired them to keep creating.”
– Adrian Lopez, Social Science Teacher, Esperanza College Prep
Together, these new traditions are creating more opportunities for students to explore their interests, build confidence, and celebrate what they can achieve.
Milestones that Matter
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Know Yourself
Launch your Whole Child Report Card, tracking growth in academics, purpose, and wellness.
Dive into self-exploration projects that help you discover your strengths, passions, and goals.
Build lasting connections through advisory team-building and a welcoming school culture.
Begin your college knowledge journey, learning what it takes to be college-ready from day one.
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Know Your Community
Deepen your learning with community-based projects that create real impact.
Expand your college exploration through visits, research, and guest speakers.
Strengthen leadership skills by engaging with local partners, organizations, and mentors.
Collaborate with peers to understand how your talents can serve your community.
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Know Your Nation
Prepare for the college process with targeted academic support.
Take part in nation-focused projects that connect classroom learning to larger societal issues.
Continue your college exploration, visiting campuses and refining your list of best-fit schools.
Develop skills for informed citizenship and national awareness.
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Know Your World
Apply to college with personalized guidance from our college counselors.
Celebrate your next chapter at Decision Day, announcing your postsecondary plans.
Lead as a role model for younger students and contribute to the Ednovate legacy.
Graduate ready to thrive in college and beyond, with a vision for Positive Multigenerational Change.
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Know Your World
Stay connected via our Alumni Counselors who serve with ongoing academic, career, and wellness support
Access resources to persist through college and transition into meaningful careers.
Give back to your community and inspire the next generation of Ednovate students.
Live out our mission of Positive Multigenerational Change: impacting your family, career, and community for years to come.
LEADING THE WAY
This year, Ednovate schools, students, and educators earned recognition for academic excellence, innovation, and student success—locally, statewide, and nationally.
2 additional California Distinguished Schools, recognizing exceptional student achievement
5 AP School Honor Roll schools, expanding access to rigorous, college-level learning
National Best Places to Learn Award, recognizing Ednovate’s commitment to creating exceptional work environments for staff to flourish and grow
Selected for the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network, joining education leaders working to reimagine the high school experience
All Ednovate schools participating in CIF athletics, expanding opportunities for students to compete, lead, and belong
#Better Together
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College & Alumni Support: A Journey That Continues
"Ednovate played a big part in my life. By senior year, I went from 'about me' to 'we and our world' and what I can do to impact someone else's life."
– Bobby Magallan, Legacy College Prep Class of 2020
As a first-generation college graduate, Bobby's journey reflects Ednovate's commitment to supporting students long after they leave high school. A member of Legacy College Prep's first graduating class, Bobby earned his degree from Pepperdine University in 2024 and now works as a train conductor while pursuing his goal of becoming a pastor, striving each day to "be a light in other people's lives."
That ongoing support is at the heart of Ednovate's College & Alumni Program. From individualized college counseling and application support to alumni advising, career guidance, and one-on-one coaching, students continue to have a trusted network as they navigate college and launch their careers. The results speak for themselves:66% of Ednovate alumni secure strong early-career jobs, compared with 43% of their peers, demonstrating that our investment in students extends far beyond graduation.
SY26 College Program Highlights
3800+ alumni actively supported
79% first-year college persistence, which exceeds the national averages for Black students by nearly 10 percentage points and for Latinx students by 5 percentage points
1,601 acceptances to four-year colleges and universities
6,723 college and university applications submitted
At Ednovate, graduation isn't the finish line; it's the next chapter of a lifelong partnership dedicated to helping every student thrive and create Positive Multigenerational Change.
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Academic Excellence, Powered by Parent Partnership
At Ednovate, high academic expectations and strong relationships go hand in hand. Students are challenged to reach their potential, while families and educators work together to ensure they have the support to get there.
When Leticia drove past USC Hybrid High on her way to work, she would think about her son Kenneth and the future she wanted for him. She researched the school and entered the lottery with no guarantee he would get in. When Kenneth’s name was the second one called, she remembers jumping with excitement: “A dream come true.”
What she didn’t know yet was that she wasn’t simply choosing a school; she was joining a team.
Throughout Kenneth’s four years, the Whole Child Report Card connected his growth at school with the support he received at home. Leticia regularly sat down with Kenneth and his advisor to understand how he was performing, where he was growing, and where he needed support.
“They would review grades, ask if I had questions. The teacher always had an open door of communication, very available for the parents.”
That partnership became especially important when AP Calculus challenged Kenneth senior year. He persevered because his family, advisor, counselors, and teachers were all paying attention and working toward the same goal.
Over four years, Leticia watched those partnerships help her son grow in ways that extended well beyond his grades.
“The school gave him the opportunity to mature as a human. He is no longer a shy person. He broke that mold.”
That is Better Together at Ednovate: pairing academic excellence with the relationships and personalized support students need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
Community Schools
"Community Schools are about more than providing resources; they're about building trusting relationships, restoring hope, and empowering families during difficult times."
– Stephanie Ramos, Community School Coordinator, Esperanza College Prep
A great school supports more than academics; it becomes a place where students and families know they belong.
This year marked the successful completion of Year One of Ednovate's Community Schools initiative, transforming six campuses into community hubs where families can access resources, wellness services, educational opportunities, and trusted support, all in one place. By bringing partners, programs, and services directly onto campus, we removed barriers and strengthened the relationships that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
At Esperanza, one parent turned to the school after losing her job. Stephanie helped her identify employment opportunities, complete applications, and prepare for interviews.
A short time later, the parent returned to campus—this time carrying a cake to celebrate receiving her first paycheck.
That moment captures what Community Schools are designed to create: trusted relationships that help families access resources, overcome barriers, and thrive.
Throughout the year, schools expanded on-campus programming based on the voices of students and families, including computer literacy classes, free technology access, mental health workshops, arts enrichment, food distributions, and community events that celebrated culture and connection.
Community Schools IMPACT
OUR SCHOOLS
During the 2025–26 school year, Ednovate served more than 2,800 students across eight schools, including our Ednovate Virtual Academy. While every campus is grounded in Ednovate's proven college preparatory model and commitment to Positive Multigenerational Change, each school offers distinctive programs, partnerships, and experiences that reflect the strengths and aspirations of its community.
MEET THE PRINCIPALS
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SY26 Highlights
Opened a new 38,000-square-foot permanent campus, creating a state-of-the-art, long-term home for Brío students and families
Earned AP School Honor Roll — Platinum, the highest level of recognition
100% four-year college acceptance for the third consecutive year
$4M+ in scholarships and grants earned by the Class of 2026
Became a full CIF member, expanding competitive athletics opportunities for students
2026 Ednovate Sports League Champions in girls cross country and boys flag football
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SY26 Highlights
Renamed USC East College Prep, marking a new chapter in Ednovate’s longstanding relationship with USC and reinforcing a shared commitment to a college-going culture
One student earned a highly competitive QuestBridge scholarship, matching with Carleton College
Over $8M in scholarships and grants earned by the Class of 2026
Mandarin students brought language and culture to life through an immersive traditional tea ceremony, featured in The Eastsider
Hosted the annual Salud y ComUnidad Health Resource Fair & Classic Car Show, connecting families with nearly 20 community organizations while celebrating student art, culture, and wellness
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Ednovate's athletics program continues to grow, creating more opportunities for students to compete, connect, and find a team where they belong. Last year, Encore College Prep completed its first season as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member, while USC South LA, Brío, and Esperanza became full CIF members.
The growth of athletics at Ednovate shows up clearly in the girls flag football league, now in its second year. When Dyana Pena joined the team, she didn't know how to properly throw a ball or run a route. A year later, she was her team's quarterback—and what she gained extended far beyond the field.
“Being a good player, or even having good players, isn't what wins games. It's when we uplift each other and believe in each other as a team.”
For Dyana and student-athletes across Ednovate, sports are about more than competition. They're an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, leadership, and a deeper sense of belonging.
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SY26 Highlights
100% of students participated in entertainment industry-connected learning experiences through partnerships with leading organizations, including Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Amazon Studios, the Academy Museum, the Grammy Museum, and the LA Philharmonic
Earned the Wayfinder North Star School Award, recognizing Encore’s commitment to purpose-driven learning
Hosted its 2nd Annual Wave Fest, a celebration of creativity, artistic expression, and school pride.
Expanded to serve both 9th and 10th grade students in SY26, marking Encore’s second year of growth
Sophomore Nestor Alonso was featured as an Eastsider “Rising Star,” highlighting his 4.24 GPA, accomplishments as a violinist and flutist, and plans to study computer engineering
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SY26 Highlights
Named a 2026 California Distinguished School
100% four-year college acceptance for the 10th consecutive year
$9M+ in scholarships and grants earned by the Class of 2026
Earned AP School Honor Roll — Platinum recognition
Expanded career-connected learning through Field Work internships, giving students hands-on exposure to a range of industries and careers
2026 Ednovate Sports Champions across nine competitions, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, dance, Clash Royale, and chess
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SY26 Highlights
Named a 2026 California Distinguished School
100% four-year college acceptance for the sixth consecutive year
$8M+ in scholarships and grants earned by the Class of 2026
Earned AP School Honor Roll — Platinum recognition
Nearly 300 students participated in Ballet Folklórico, celebrating culture, community, and artistic expression
Champions across the Ednovate network, earning Best Picture at the inaugural Short Film Festival and top honors in the Science Bowl and coed cheerleading
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Ednovate's athletics program continues to grow, creating more opportunities for students to compete, connect, and find a team where they belong. Last year, Encore College Prep completed its first season as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member, while USC South LA, Brío, and Esperanza became full CIF members.
The growth of athletics at Ednovate shows up clearly in the girls flag football league, now in its second year. When Dyana Pena joined the team, she didn't know how to properly throw a ball or run a route. A year later, she was her team's quarterback—and what she gained extended far beyond the field.
“Being a good player, or even having good players, isn't what wins games. It's when we uplift each other and believe in each other as a team.”
For Dyana and student-athletes across Ednovate, sports are about more than competition. They're an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, leadership, and a deeper sense of belonging.
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SY26 Highlights
100% four-year college acceptance for every graduating class since Legacy’s founding in 2016
$13M+ in scholarships and grants earned by the Class of 2026
30+ careers explored during #MyLegacyMyFuture Week, culminating in a student-run marketplace connecting learning, career exploration, and entrepreneurship
Earned AP School Honor Roll — Silver recognition
Expanded access to college-level coursework through dual enrollment with Santa Ana College since 2023
2026 Ednovate Sports League Champions in boys cross country and boys volleyball
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Ednovate's athletics program continues to grow, creating more opportunities for students to compete, connect, and find a team where they belong. Last year, Encore College Prep completed its first season as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member, while USC South LA, Brío, and Esperanza became full CIF members.
The growth of athletics at Ednovate shows up clearly in the girls flag football league, now in its second year. When Dyana Pena joined the team, she didn't know how to properly throw a ball or run a route. A year later, she was her team's quarterback—and what she gained extended far beyond the field.
“Being a good player, or even having good players, isn't what wins games. It's when we uplift each other and believe in each other as a team.”
For Dyana and student-athletes across Ednovate, sports are about more than competition. They're an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, leadership, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Our USC PArtnership
"Our students are proud to carry the USC name. It reinforces their belief that they belong on a college campus and that the path there begins right here in South LA."
– Principal Jaron "Mr. Rob" Roberson
This year, Ednovate deepened its longstanding partnership with the University of Southern California by renaming two campuses USC East College Prep and USC South LA College Prep. Building on a relationship that began with the founding of USC Hybrid High in 2012, the new names reflect a shared commitment to college access and educational opportunity.
The partnership also strengthens teaching and learning through the USC Teacher Residency Program, where resident teachers work alongside experienced Ednovate educators while providing additional support to students.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Ednovate. USC has long been invested in the success of students from East and South LA.”— Pedro Noguera, Dean, USC Rossier School of Education
Together, Ednovate and USC are expanding opportunities for students while strengthening the pipeline of educators serving our communities.
Innovation With Purpose
“The best innovations in education don't start with technology. They start with people.”– Rachael DeRogatis, Special Projects Fellow
Innovation has always been part of Ednovate's DNA. This year, we relaunched our Innovation Team, bringing together 18 educators from eight schools to pilot emerging technologies and instructional strategies in real classrooms.
Working across five collaborative cohorts, educators explored solutions to strengthen instructional coaching, accelerate student feedback, personalize learning, and reduce administrative burdens. Their approach was simple: pilot, listen, iterate, and scale with care. Every tool was evaluated against one question: Does this help teachers better serve students?
One promising result is MyClassroomCoach, an AI-powered instructional coaching platform designed by Ednovate educators. The platform provides classroom-specific feedback aligned to proven instructional frameworks, expanding access to timely, high-quality coaching.
Across these efforts, technology serves as a tool—not a replacement for educators—giving teachers more time and support to focus on what matters most: building relationships, inspiring curiosity, and helping students thrive.
Looking Ahead: Driving Toward Greater Impact in Orange County
In August 2026, Ednovate welcomed the founding Class of 2030 to Atlas College Prep near Tustin. Students are beginning their high school journeys with rigorous academics, personalized support, dual enrollment, and career-connected learning designed to prepare them for college and beyond.
Atlas marks the next step in Ednovate’s long-term commitment to Orange County, building on the success of Legacy College Prep in Santa Ana and expanding access to high-quality public education.
Our vision extends beyond opening new schools. Through partnerships with local colleges, businesses, and community organizations, students will have opportunities to earn college credit, explore careers, build professional skills, and connect their education to their future.
As Ednovate continues to grow in Orange County, we aim to reach more students—particularly Black and Latinx students and those who will be the first in their families to attend college—with schools where they are known, challenged, supported, and prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Ednovate is committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Thanks to our generous partners and careful planning, we invest every dollar in delivering a high-quality education that transforms lives.
*Unaudited figures at time of publishing
Your Generosity
Our donors and partners are at the heart of everything we achieve. Your generosity fuels Positive Multigenerational Change by making it possible for Ednovate to provide strong college readiness programming, grow and maintain joyful and safe campuses, support innovative practices, and train and retain excellent teachers. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures.
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Alicia F. Sanchez
Aliza D Arya
Ana Martinez Shropshire
Anthony Banegas
April and Jeff Komolmis
Ariana Torres
Brett Leghorn
Bryan and Jackie Stevens
Carol Shumway
Celeste Angel
Charles Patton
Christina Kontolefas
Christopher Wienk
Colette Dunworth
David Lazier
Deborah Miller
Elliot and Marcia Sainer
Emily Martino
Funmilayo Macaulay
Howard and Carol Hay
Janet Reyes
Jennifer Weiss
Jessica Carrera
Jose Ramirez
Kara Maguire
Karen Wong
Kate Hirsh
Kathy Orozco Molina
Kavitha Satya-Mohandoss
Kayla Bakshi
Kevin Nham
Kristen Vogt
Kyle Goss
Kyle Salyer
Lakshmi Savitala-Damerla and Radha Savitala
Larry N Fishman
Laurie Thomsen
Leia Cahill
Linda Renfroe
Merlinda Arroyo
Michael Dessimoz
Michael Mehanna
Nadia Lopez
Oliver Sicat and Alissa Changala
Olumide Macaulay
Pamela and Andrew Horowitz
Pauline Fischer
Robert De Vere Hunt
Robin Romans
Scott Langley
Shelley Levy
Silas Myers
Susan Ramirez
Tammara Anderson
Warren Felson -
The Ahmanson Foundation
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of TeachingCharter School Growth Fund
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
James and Glenlys Slavik Family Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
NewSchools Venture Fund
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Segal Family United World Foundation
Silicon Schools Fund -
American Transportation
Bluespace Interiors
California Credit Union
Keck School of Medicine USC
Loyola Marymount University
Scoot Education
USC Credit Union Community Foundation
USC Rossier -
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
California Community Schools Partnership Program
U.S. Department of Education
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Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming education. Explore career opportunities at Ednovate and help us make a difference in students’ lives.
Visit our Careers Page.
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Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills. Whether reviewing scholarship applications, presenting at career day, or hosting a field trip at your workplace, your involvement supports our students’ growth and success.
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Give online, monthly, by mail, or through a donor-advised fund
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See the impact of your support firsthand. Join a school tour to meet our students and staff and witness our innovative programs in action.
Tour a campus to see Ednovate in action.
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In the News
PBS SoCal: "65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration – Featuring Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza"
Watch the performance at timestamp 56:14.
REMOVE? Whole Child Approach
We believe every student has a genius, and we must find it and cultivate it. ACT and GPA have been proxy measures of success for over 50 years. Our experience tells us that there are better measures to capture each student’s genius, their special gift to this world, so they can use it for good, to make this world a better place. We call this Positive Multigenerational Change. Our innovative Whole Child Report Card not only prepares students to get into college but also gives them a better chance at thriving in life.