COMMUNITY SCHOOLS R-TAC

Building community hubs where education, health, and support unite for student success.

Challenge

In Los Angeles County many students face barriers to success that extend beyond academics, including limited access to health and social services,. These obstacles contribute to ongoing cycles of poverty and inequity, making it difficult for students to thrive and for families to support their children’s educational journey. Traditional school models often lack the resources or integrated support systems needed to address these broader challenges, leaving gaps the healthcare and family engagement essential for holistic student development.

Solution

The L.A. Trust, in partnership with UCLA and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, supports the transformation of schools into community hubs through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). This initiative redefines schools as resource-rich centers that leverage community assets and provide holistic support to students and their families. By integrating services such as healthcare, mental health support, academic assistance, and family engagement programs, community schools address the comprehensive needs of students. The Greater Los Angeles Regional Technical Assistance Center (R-TAC) is a dedicated regional hub of the CCSPP that provides professional development, coaching, and collaboration with local agencies to enhance these community school models. This approach ensures that schools not only improve educational outcomes but also empower students and families to overcome systemic challenges. 

Introduction to Community Schools

Training

If you are a California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) grantee in Los Angeles County and have questions about our current offerings, please complete this form. A member of our team will reach out to assist you!

Current Offerings:

Collaborating with Dental Partners for Oral Health Screenings in Schools
This session emphasizes the vital role of oral health in student well-being and success. We’ll cover oral health education, partnership-building, and universal screening initiatives, providing families, educators, and communities with practical tips on logistics and engagement.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the link between oral health and student success

  • Overview of oral health education

  • Tips for building partnerships and engaging families

Peer-to-peer Program
To support Peer-to-Peer initiatives, The L.A. Trust developed a comprehensive 3-day training that equips schools with the guidance and tools needed to establish effective peer-to-peer programs on their campuses.

Learning objectives:

  • Building the foundation for Peer-to-Peer programs

  • Developing skills and strategies for adult mentors

  • Applying knowledge and resources for effective mentoring

Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Youth substance use demands proactive intervention due to its impact on social, emotional, and academic well-being. This workshop offers a comprehensive approach through teaching, community learning, SBIRT, and motivational interviewing

Learning objectives:

  • Understand SBIRT and its significance for adolescents

  • Learn how to apply and elevate SBIRT at the community level

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMFHA)
YMFHA certification training on adolescent mental health, focuses on early intervention and crisis response through immersive role-play. This 8-hour training equips participants to recognize, respond to, and support students facing mental health challenges.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify common signs of mental health issues

  • Learn how to engage with individuals in crisis and connect them to help