Press releases
February 3, 2022
Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) is thrilled to announce that we are the recipient of a gift of $2.25 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott - allowing CISLA to enhance and expand our work throughout Los Angeles.
This gift is the most considerable contribution CISLA has received to date and is a part of a transformative $133.5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to the Communities In Schools Network and National Office. In addition to the CIS National Office, 40 affiliates of the 110 organizations in the CIS Network were also direct recipients of the MacKenzie Scott donation. CISLA is the only CIS affiliate in California and, as such, is the only CIS recipient of Ms. Scott’s gift in the state.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary challenges for our students and families. Experiences of social isolation, economic crisis, stress, and trauma, have negatively impacted our student's academic outcomes and social development, further exacerbating the social and economic inequities present in the communities CISLA serves long before the pandemic. Ms. Scott's investment will help CISLA carry our vision to break down the systemic barriers that stand in the way of opportunity and success for underserved students across Los Angeles.
There is so much work to be done within our schools and throughout our communities. We are excited to use this capital to accelerate our strategic plan to deepen current partnerships while expanding to more schools in historically proud communities, invest in our team's development and long-term success, and build out our capacity to advocate to influence the conditions that impact our students.
While the contribution is tremendous fuel for CISLA’s dedicated teams of youth development professionals, who have been tirelessly working inside schools and homes, it does not change the reality of the continued work ahead and the public and private partnership that must remain at the forefront of our work.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. MacKenzie Scott and all of our donors, funders, and team who have shaped CISLA into the organization it is today and will humbly steward this gift to continue our work.
Sincerely,
Elmer G. Roldan
Executive Director
Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) is thrilled to announce that we are the recipient of a gift of $2.25 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott - allowing CISLA to enhance and expand our work throughout Los Angeles.
This gift is the most considerable contribution CISLA has received to date and is a part of a transformative $133.5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to the Communities In Schools Network and National Office. In addition to the CIS National Office, 40 affiliates of the 110 organizations in the CIS Network were also direct recipients of the MacKenzie Scott donation. CISLA is the only CIS affiliate in California and, as such, is the only CIS recipient of Ms. Scott’s gift in the state.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary challenges for our students and families. Experiences of social isolation, economic crisis, stress, and trauma, have negatively impacted our student's academic outcomes and social development, further exacerbating the social and economic inequities present in the communities CISLA serves long before the pandemic. Ms. Scott's investment will help CISLA carry our vision to break down the systemic barriers that stand in the way of opportunity and success for underserved students across Los Angeles.
There is so much work to be done within our schools and throughout our communities. We are excited to use this capital to accelerate our strategic plan to deepen current partnerships while expanding to more schools in historically proud communities, invest in our team's development and long-term success, and build out our capacity to advocate to influence the conditions that impact our students.
While the contribution is tremendous fuel for CISLA’s dedicated teams of youth development professionals, who have been tirelessly working inside schools and homes, it does not change the reality of the continued work ahead and the public and private partnership that must remain at the forefront of our work.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. MacKenzie Scott and all of our donors, funders, and team who have shaped CISLA into the organization it is today and will humbly steward this gift to continue our work.
Sincerely,
Elmer G. Roldan
Executive Director
