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A recent survey found out that 32% or nearly three times as many residents than
the national average at 12% living within the LATTC service area are
impoverished; 23.5% are children. 35% of the adults have less than a 9th
grade education, about three and a half times greater than the national
average. Many residents of the service area are recent immigrants from
Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, among which
only 34% of adults speak English at home and 38% have limited or no
English skills.
22% of Los Angeles County population under the age of 17 live in
poverty. Among African-American and Hispanic youths, the statistic
doubles at nearly 45% living in poverty. Hispanics are greatly impacted, especially in the LATTC service area where the group has a per capita
income of $4,627 that is 23% less than the district average. In
addition, only 1.7% of the entire Hispanic population possesses a college
degree compared to 9.4% of all residents in the same area.
The 21st Century Program addresses this disturbing trend
through the education of the community's children. The program
offers a novel after-school instruction for middle school learners in a
variety of college-level courses such as:
- Applied Mortgage Computation
- Computer Application & Keyboarding
- Drawing
- English Fundamentals
- Graphic Design
- Intermediate Reading & Composition
- Introduction to Fashion Design
- Learning Skills
- Principles of Healthful Living
- Personal Development - Careers
- Political & Social History of the U.S. I &
II
- Robotics
In
cooperation with LATTC, this holistic learning approach directly exposes
students to higher education and motivate them to benefit from the
activities. Stimulating an interest in the Arts, or in
Mathematics, or in Science at a young age channels youthful energies
into creative directions. Participation in worthwhile activities and
frequent group interaction increases the students' awareness of their responsibilities to family, community, and society.
Such activities will have a positive effect on the self-esteem. |
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