Real-World Learning
Initiative
Project Engage LA
Civic & Community Engagement Initiative.
Overview
What this is for.
Project Engage LA is a civic engagement initiative that empowers students to actively participate in their communities through creative projects, public service, and local partnerships. Rooted in youth voice and leadership, this initiative connects students to real issues impacting their neighborhoods and equips them with the tools to drive change.
Through arts, media, and community-based experiences, students learn how to engage, advocate, and contribute to building stronger, more connected communities.
Strategy
What Music to the Ears actually does.
Connect students to real issues impacting their neighborhoods
Run creative projects, public service, and community-based experiences with local partners
Equip students with the tools to engage, advocate, and drive change
Work with local organizations, city partners, and community leaders
How students benefit
- Real-world experience in civic engagement and community impact
- Development of leadership, advocacy, and communication skills
- Opportunities to work with local organizations, city partners, and community leaders
- Increased sense of purpose, responsibility, and social awareness
Leadership + Civic Impact Initiative
“Empowering students to lead, advocate, and shape their communities.”
Visit Project Engage LA (opens in a new tab)Partner types
- Cities and counties
- Community organizations
- Local government
- Public health and wellness partners
Communities
- Los Angeles
- K-12 schools
- Neighborhood organizations
What we aim to produce
- Students with real-world civic engagement and community impact experience
- Leadership, advocacy, and communication skills built on real issues
- Stronger, more connected communities shaped by youth voice
These are the initiative’s stated aims. Published outcomes appear in the related stories below as they are documented.
Funding alignment
Where the funding fits.
Public funding sources this initiative aligns with. Schools and districts should confirm eligibility with their own funding office.
- Title I: student engagement and equity
- Title IV, Part A: student engagement, SEL, well-rounded education
- 21st CCLC: afterschool leadership and enrichment
- Local Government (City/County): youth development and civic programs
- Public Health & Wellness Grants: community impact and youth voice
Programs inside it
What runs on the ground.
Related stories
Where you can see it.
Impact Story
Destination Crenshaw
Bringing music education, DJ culture, and creative learning into a landmark celebration of community and culture.
Read the story
More initiatives
Other big ideas.
Tech for Teens
E-Waste Recycling & Technology Access.
Repurposing e-waste into functional tools for learning and creativity, and closing the digital divide for the students who need access most.
One Nation Under a Groove
Global Music & Arts Cultural Exchange.
A global cultural exchange connecting students through music, arts, and creative expression across cities, states, and countries.
Student Merch & Brand Lab
School-Based Creative Entrepreneurship.
Students design, develop, and launch official school merchandise and brand identities, turning campuses into real-world creative labs.
Partner on this initiative
Join Project Engage LA.
Initiatives grow by adding partners with something specific to contribute: a workplace, a technology, a community, or funding.