Afterschool Program
Serving LA's youth since 1988 221+ programs 23,861 Unique children served
Accepting applications year-round
Who can enroll in the Afterschool program?
Any student who is currently registered at an LAUSD school with a participating LA’s BEST program can enroll in afterschool. We are open enrollment year round, and all eligible students are welcome to join.
What does a typical afternoon look like?
Students experience hands-on enrichment in arts, STEM, sports, wellness, digital learning, and academic support. They build friendships, explore new interests, and engage in activities led by trained program staff.
Is the program free?
Afterschool Program Information
Daily Schedule & Support:
Each LA’s BEST student receives a nutritious meal, homework support, and access to enrichment activities. Staff provide caring academic assistance to help students stay confident and prepared. Programs emphasize positive relationships, resilience, and community connection. Enrichment activities are designed with student input to reflect their interests and creativity. Every site offers a unique mix of learning, play, and exploration that keeps students engaged and inspired.
Afterschool Program Activities
Literacy and Language Arts
Literacy and Language Arts
Field Trips and New Experiences
Field Trips and New Experiences
Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture
Sports, Play, and Wellness
Sports, Play, and Wellness
STEM Adventures
STEM Adventures
Nutrition and Life Skills
Nutrition and Life Skills
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
At the heart of every LA’s BEST activity is a focus on social-emotional growth. Through group projects, sports, and creative play, children practice teamwork, empathy, and leadership. They learn to manage emotions, set goals, and resolve conflicts with the guidance of caring adults. For example, a simple art project might encourage self-expression and sharing, while team sports build resilience and cooperation. Staff are nurturing mentors and role models who form positive relationships with students, creating a sense of family and belonging after school. This supportive environment helps students gain confidence, develop a positive self-identity, and improve communication skills. According to educational research, elementary students who participate in SEL-focused programs show an 11% improvement in academic performance as well – highlighting that feeling safe and supported helps children thrive in school.Student Voice & Choice
One unique aspect of LA’s BEST is how it empowers students to shape their own afterschool experience. Program staff regularly ask students what activities they’re interested in and often let children choose among activity stations or clubs. If a group of students expresses interest in a new topic – say, chess or cheerleading – LA’s BEST tries to accommodate it.
This approach fosters authentic engagement. When children immerse themselves in activities of their choosing, they develop as motivated, self-directed learners and active contributors. By centering youth voice, the program strengthens their sense of ownership and enthusiasm.
One LA’s BEST alum noted that being in the program taught him “the willingness to ask questions, the desire to explore, and confidence,” traits that continue to guide him through life.
Family & Community Benefits
LA’s BEST Expanded Learning Program isn’t just a safe haven for students, it’s a critical support for families and the broader community. Working parents often have jobs that extend past the regular school day, and arranging childcare or supervision can be challenging and costly. LA’s BEST fills that gap at no cost, enabling caregivers to work or attend to responsibilities knowing their children are in good hands. In fact, 98% of parents agree that they are able to keep their job or pursue other responsibilities because their children are enrolled in LA’s BEST. This contributes to family stability and economic well-being. Parents are welcome to connect with the LA’s BEST staff at their child’s school, creating a sense of community and trust. Many families come to see the program staff and other parents as an extended family network. As one LA’s BEST parent expressed, “if LA’s BEST didn’t exist our lives would be very stressful… it’s nice to have a community”.
The community at large also benefits. With LA’s BEST providing enriching activities, children are less likely to be home alone or on the streets during the high-risk afterschool hours (3–6 PM). Research suggests that children are most likely to be victims or perpetrators of crime in the early evening if unsupervised – LA’s BEST effectively removes that risk by engaging students in positive pursuits. By keeping students safe and productively occupied, the program contributes to reduced youth crime and safer neighborhoods (a key reason it has long enjoyed support from city leaders). LA’s BEST also partners with local organizations and volunteers – from universities to businesses – who come to sites to provide enrichment experiences, strengthening community ties.
Impact on Academic & Future Success
Since 1988, LA’s BEST has demonstrated wide ranging, long term impacts on students. Numerous evaluations by UCLA and others have found that students who regularly attend LAs BEST improve their school attendance and are more likely to stay in school.
One landmark study by UCLA CRESST found that elementary students who participated in LA’s BEST were significantly less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to graduate than their peers who did not attend. The consistent support and confidence gained in afterschool carries forward.
LA’s BEST Near You
From San Pedro to Pacoima, and Venice to East LA, kids can stay right where they are when the last bell rings.
