Tutorial Program

As a nonprofit youth organization, we are always pleased when The Times recognizes the significant contributions of one of our sister organizations. LA’s BEST has a well-deserved history of service to youths in the at-risk communities of Los Angeles (editorial, Sept. 30).

We should know. It was the Gwen Bolden Youth Foundation after-school tutorial program that then Mayor Tom Bradley used as a model when he created the LA’s BEST program in 1987. We were the pioneers of school-based after-school tutorial programs, commencing in 1980. Now, 17 years later, the Gwen Bolden Youth Foundation continues to provide a holistic package of services, free of charge, to eight elementary schools in the L.A. school district.

Friday we will be hosting a consortium of community-based nonprofit youth organizations on the topic of the LAUSD’s 100 worst schools. Our objective is to ignite these nonprofits in providing services and expertise toward these needy schools and communities.

We presently operate on a total budget of $83,000 while serving eight schools. Our results, like LA’s BEST’s, have been remarkable.

KENNETH B. BILLUPS

Director of Operations

Gwen Bolden Youth Foundation

Los Angeles