New School Year Preparations for County Public Housing Youth

Annual Back to School Jams Returns with New School Supplies & Fun

August 8, 2023 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) completed another successful back to school season at the Carmelitos, Harbor Hills, Nueva Maravilla, and South County (Scattered Sites) Public Housing Developments. With almost a quarter century of tradition, these events have provided public housing youth and their families reliable educational resources and school supplies, and even haircuts, to successfully kick-start the new school year.

This year’s events had numerous special guests including a sponsorship by Frito Lay employees, made possible through our partnership with ELA Rising, and an appearance from Chester Cheetah himself at Nueva Maravilla. With help from Frito Lay employees, staff at Nueva Maravilla distributed more than 260 backpacks full of stationary supplies to students grades K-12. Students also had an opportunity to receive free new clothing and shoe donations. Youth and their families also participated in a career panel led by the Frito Lay staff. The event provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect with their community through entertainment, valuable resources, and togetherness.

The event at South County included a visit from the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, haircuts for youths done by local vendors, and summer activities like water-balloon games. At Carmelitos, residents and community members enjoyed getting to know Long Beach community vendors through workshops, food, and music. Meanwhile in Harbor Hills, students stocked up on school supplies and lined up for stylish haircuts. With everyone’s support, more than 800 families received school supplies this year.

Other donors for this year’s events included Shelter Partnership, Los Angeles Rams Organization, Watch it Grow, The Deltas, The MAYE Center, Fadealistcutts, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and the Nueva Maravilla and Harbor Hills Resident Councils who provided various resources, snacks, haircuts, and school supplies.

“The LACDA is proud of our back to school tradition for youth and their families,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “This season can be stressful for families trying to get all their supplies ready, but these events allow everyone to concentrate on the exciting aspect of the season: getting to know all their new teachers, classes, and friends!”