LA’s BEST Program
“County to Launch Major Child Care Effort in Schools” (May 12), while presenting a clear overview of the need for after-school programs in Los Angeles and other cities, neglects to mention one of the nation’s model after-school enrichment programs which has been operating in our own backyard for years: LA’s BEST.
The statement that all existing after-school programs currently in the LAUSD are “solely recreational” is absolutely not true. LA’s BEST--a partnership between the city of Los Angeles, LAUSD and the private sector--provides thousands of children ages 5-12 with safe enrichment and academic support activities every school day at no cost to parents. Currently in 28 LAUSD elementary schools and reaching 5,800 children, LA’s BEST offers reading, tutoring, math and science clubs, computer instruction and other enrichment activities to children in L.A.’s poorest, most at-risk neighborhoods.
Studies have shown that LA’s BEST students enjoy school more, show improvement in their grades and feel safe. In its 11-year history, LA’s BEST has served more than 45,000 students and there are plans for expansion.
RICHARD J. RIORDAN
Mayor of Los Angeles
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