With support from the California Arts Council, Heart of Los Angeles will provide 350 elementary through high school youth with exceptional afterschool programs that include access to classes in 20+ art forms, field trips, visiting professional artists, public art projects, academic and wraparound support, mentorship, and continuing arts education opportunities.
HOLA started in 1989 with just a handful of kids in a dilapidated gym and now, 35 years later, has grown to serve 3,000 youth, ages 6-24, each year. HOLA offers core academic programs, as well as myriad enrichment programs that expose students to a plethora of engaging and innovative opportunities. These include a dynamic music and youth orchestra program, an intensive and sophisticated visual arts department, premiere sport offerings, leadership and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEAM) classes, holistic counseling and wellness care from a robust Family Services Department, alumni support and scholarships, as well as parent and community resources. Since HOLA first opened its doors, thousands of underserved students have received the highest level of instruction from a now 160+ person staff and a professional and dedicated volunteer corps of over 400. HOLA operates Monday through Saturday year round and all programs are free, an essential feature given that approximately 90% of the families we serve report below poverty-level income.

