The NBCUniversal Foundation awarded $200,000 in grants recently to six non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles area as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving public secondary education in local communities. One of the recipients of the grants was Project GRAD Los Angeles, a non-profit organization based in North Hollywood, California.
Project GRAD was awarded a grant of $26,250.00. The non-profit’s mission is to ensure a quality public school education for at-risk children in economically disadvantaged communities so that high school graduation rates increase, and graduates are prepared to enter and succeed in college. The College Readiness Initiative provides academic support, parent workshops, academic advising, college counseling, financial aid workshops and college visits. For more information on Project GRAD Los Angeles, visit www.projectgradla.org.
Craig Robinson, President & General Manager, NBC4 Los Angeles and Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal said, “Serving the community is critical to the success of any station. Whether it’s delivering news that is relevant or partnering with organizations that make a difference in the lives of local residents, being in-touch with and involved in the community you cover is crucial. We are proud to support the work of Project GRAD Los Angeles in promoting a brighter future for our youth.”
“With NBCUniversal’s support, Project GRAD’s College Readiness Initiative is preparing more first generation college-goers not just to attend college, but to succeed in college. And that, ultimately benefits us all,” said Ford Roosevelt, President & CEO, Project GRAD Los Angeles.
This is the sixth year of the successful NBCUniversal initiative which supports select non-profit organizations in cities with large NBCUniversal employee populations and significant education needs. Since the Foundation’s inception, nearly $7 million has been directed to non-profits across the country that have demonstrated a commitment to improving educational opportunities for public school students in sixth through twelfth grades.
In addition to the $200,000 awarded in Los Angeles, the NBCUniversal Foundation announced grants in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Washington, D.C., totaling $800,000. These organizations inspire students to succeed through a wide range of programs including college test preparation, career counseling and employment skill development.
Five other Los Angeles area organizations received grants from the NBCUniversal Foundation, as well – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, City Year Los Angeles, Communities in Schools Los Angeles, Los Angeles Education Partnership and the Urban Media Foundation.
NBCUniversal employees from across the company have been actively involved with this effort and will continue to support the organizations by volunteering as mentors, tutors and career speakers. In Los Angeles, employees have already served on a career panel for City Year Los Angeles in celebration of Education Nation, and UNIDOS@NBCUniversal affinity group has closely worked with Project GRAD at San Fernando High School.
