FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Xina Yee
Phone: (818) 433-7600
Email: press@etmla.org
Website: www.etmla.org
LOS ANGELES, CA – On September 21, 2022, Education Through Music-LA (ETM-LA) received the honor of being named a winner of the 2022 LA2050 Grants Challenge out of 480 applicants, ranking 1st Place in K-12 STEAM Education. The movement of LA2050 was started by the Goldhirsh Foundation and in collaboration with tens of thousands of Angelenos with the goal “to make Los Angeles the best place to connect, create, learn, live, and play” by the year 2050 (la2050.org). The Grant Challenge utilized a voting system, where people could browse and vote on what organizations and what issues they believe would help further the mission of LA2050. Each of the top ten Grant Challenge winners will receive a grant of $75,000.
The LA2050 Grants Challenge, largely funded by the Goldhirsh Foundation, with additional prizes provided by Snap Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, the John N. Calley Foundation, and the The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – received a record 480 submissions, and the judging committee—made up of social impact leaders and experts in the field—chose the 10 winners and five runners-up.
“We could not be more excited to support 15 truly special organizations that have stepped up during a challenging time for Los Angeles County and made it a meaningfully better place,” said Tara Roth, President of the Goldhirsh Foundation. “I’m honored to be here with these remarkable leaders who are truly making a difference in Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Holly J. Mitchell. “The LA2050 Grants Challenge has helped hundreds of organizations over the years build on their momentum, and today’s Showcase is a worthy celebration of grantees past and present. These individuals and organizations contribute to the social service network of Los Angeles County.” (LA2050 Press Release)
“Our vision for the future of LA is that all students, our leaders of today and tomorrow – can thrive – and that all schools have robust music and arts programs as part of a well-rounded STEAM education. We are grateful to LA2050 and all the partners for this award to help us move towards this vision,” says Executive Director Victoria Lanier. “Music in school motivates students to learn, and can be a catalyst for achievement, self-confidence, social-emotional wellness, empathy, and building bridges as a community.”
This year was the ninth LA2050 Grants Challenge, and the first year the Goldhirsh Foundation held a showcase to honor the winners and runner-ups at Second Home Hollywood. The showcase featured many guest speakers, including City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Tara Roth from the Goldhirsh Foundation, Spectrum News 1 Journalist Zarina Khairzada, and a panel of previous LA2050 winners, Romel Pascual (CicLAvia), Jamiah E. Hargins (Crop Swap LA), Lucia Torres (Las Fotos Project), and Enrique Loyola (On The Go LA).
ETM-LA witnesses ongoing revitalization and transformation in its partner school communities.
Providing equity, access, and inclusion are vital to ensuring that children have a healthy, bright future so that they – our future leaders – can make Los Angeles the best place to create, play, connect, live, and learn in 2050. Our mission will not cease until every child has access to quality music education.
Winners of the LA2050 Grants Challenge:
BIPOC- and Women-Owned Businesses: Thai Community Development Center
Climate and Environment: Theodore Payne Foundation
Community Safety: Urban Peace Institute
Support for Foster and Systems-Impacted Youth: Young Women’s Freedom Center
Green Space, Park Access, and Trees: Legacy LA Youth Development Corporation
Housing and Homelessness: Inner City Law Center
Immigrant and Refugee Support: Flavors from Afar
Income Inequality: Black Women for Wellness
K-12 STEAM Education: Education Through Music-LA
Public Transit: Climate Resolve
Since the first Grants Challenge in 2013, LA2050 has awarded more than $9 million to 125 organizations and inspired more than $6.5 million in indirect giving through third-party donors, making a significant impact in boosting social impact organizations that are making an impact in Los Angeles. Social Justice Partners LA (https://www.sjpla.org/) served as this year’s LA2050 Grants Challenge evaluation partner. (LA2050 Press Release)
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Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org