United Way of Greater Los Angeles Hosts Linked Learning Showcase to Highlight Student Achievements

LOS ANGELES, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of Greater Los Angeles is announcing tonight's Linked Learning Showcase, an event that highlights the work of Los Angeles County students in the transformative statewide Linked Learning model. The showcase will demonstrate students' progress and results through 12 student fall semester projects related to health, engineering, marketing, and more. Linked Learning is an approach to education that combines strong academics with hands-on workplace experience, exposing students to real world career training in major industries, including finance, healthcare, and multimedia. The initiative enables students to better understand the types of career paths and jobs available, and helps them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success. United Way of Greater Los Angeles is leading local schools and businesses to participate in the Linked Learning model as part of the organization's continued commitment to education and dedication to improving outcomes for at-risk students.

"Linked Learning is a highly beneficial educational model that aligns with our goal to increase Los Angeles graduation rates to 85 percent by 2020," says Elise Buik, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "United Way is committed to creating positive change in our local school systems by empowering students with the right tools and support needed to succeed."

United Way is bringing together school districts, post-secondary institutions, industry, and nonprofits to create a support system that ensures the success of students across Los Angeles County. Proponents of the Linked Learning model include LAUSD Board Member Mónica García and Dennis Arriola, President and CEO, SoCalGas, both will be speaking at the Showcase. In addition to working with local schools to get Linked Learning implemented county-wide, United Way is encouraging local businesses to offer internships to students in the program or donate monetary funds to cover the cost of these internships (roughly $1,000 per student).

"SoCalGas is a strong supporter of Linked Learning, and is proud to offer five internships to local students in the program," says Dennis Arriola, President and CEO, SoCalGas. "We are confident that Linked Learning can help transform the traditional education model and enable students to make the most out of their high school education, paving the way for them to become successful and the future leaders of our community."

About United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that creates pathways out of poverty by helping homeless people move into housing, providing students with the support they need to graduate high school prepared for college and the workforce, and helping hard-working families become financially stable. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit www.unitedwayla.org.

SOURCE United Way of Greater Los Angeles

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