MLA Partner Schools is a nonprofit organization working to improve schools and empower neighborhoods in some of the most disenfranchised communities in Los Angeles. MLA creates high performing urban schools that combine innovation, equity and access to offer a college-ready education to every child in the surrounding neighborhood. An MLA Partner School is a public school designed and managed in collaboration between MLA, LAUSD and community stakeholders. The city's first Partner School, West Adams Prep, opened in September 2007 to serve 2500 students with a first-rate education, setting a new standard for public schools and anchoring a strategic revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. MLA's utilizes its 7 to 7 program which extends the school day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering a wealth of onsite classes, programs and services that are available to students and their families.
Salem Partners is committed to a relationship with MLA and has dedicated both financial resources and the time of senior investment banking professionals. Salem began teaching classes in the 7 to 7 program during 2008 and will continue this activity in the coming years. Salem’s class introduces students to the fundamentals of business and finance by using a combination of case studies and simulated investing by the means of a virtual stock exchange. In addition to the student’s own research of cultural trends and current events, Salem uses interactive case studies to engage students and further their understanding of how to identify what makes a company successful. The class is designed as an open forum for discussion about financial headlines and current economic events.
All of us at Salem Partners are excited about the relationship with MLA and most importantly about the impact we can have on the lives of LA’s youth.
