YCLA is an education fund that provides scholarships and access to private education and college for low-income and disadvantaged students. Your gift helps students enroll, persist, and graduate.
We expand access to private education and college by funding scholarships and providing support resources for students facing financial hardship, first‑generation challenges, or systemic barriers. Our mission is to ensure opportunity from the earliest years through higher education.
*Target program allocation; see transparency section for details.
Awards are distributed without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any protected class.
We partner with individuals, companies, and foundations. Donations are stewarded with board oversight and annual reporting.
Applicants share academic goals and financial need. Reviewers score applications using transparent criteria.
Funds are disbursed to schools or colleges as allowed, with persistence check‑ins and emergency micro‑grants.
YCLA awards scholarships for private elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as graduating high school seniors, community college transfer students, and current undergraduates from low‑income households. Priority goes to first‑generation students and those with significant financial need.
Full eligibility and selection rubric will be published before each application window.
Application window opens MM DD, 2025. Join the list and we’ll notify you.
Your donation helps cover tuition, textbooks, and the small but critical costs of private education that keep students on track to graduation. YCLA is an IRS‑approved 501(c)(3). Contributions may be tax‑deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: XX‑XXXXXXX (replace).
Covers private school application fees & transcripts
Buys textbooks for a term of private education
Funds a partial private education scholarship
Prefer a different amount, DAF, wire, or check? Email info@youcla.org.
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We publish annual impact reports and financial statements. Our goal is to allocate at least 90% of expenses to programs and scholarships for private education as we scale.
Sponsor a named private education scholarship or multi‑year cohort.
YCLA has just been approved as an IRS 501(c)(3) charity. We are now seeking donations to fund our first class of scholarship recipients. As soon as our first scholarships are awarded, we will update this section with authentic stories and testimonials from YCLA students and families.
Yes. YCLA is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations may be tax‑deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor. EIN: XX‑XXXXXXX.
We use a transparent rubric that considers financial need, academic progress, personal context, service, and goals. Review panels include staff and community reviewers.
Absolutely. Individuals, companies, and foundations can sponsor named awards or multi‑year cohorts. Contact info@youcla.org.
No. YCLA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or any protected status.
Founded in Los Angeles, YCLA (You Can Learn Academics) invests in students with talent and drive, but limited means. We believe ability is universal—opportunity should be too.
Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. View leadership & advisors: Meet the team.