At SLA Inc., we are dedicated to empowering our youth and community. For over a decade, we have been committed to engaging our community through innovative social enterprise programs and environmental sustainability initiatives. Our focus is on transforming urban spaces, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting holistic well-being.
Our Mission
At SLA Inc., our mission is to empower individuals with barriers to employment by providing comprehensive pre-apprenticeship training and opportunities for meaningful careers. We are dedicated to fostering community engagement, environmental stewardship, and holistic well-being through initiatives like tree planting, youth education, and mental and physical health programs. By transforming urban spaces into vibrant green schoolyards, we aim to create safe and inspiring environments for children to learn and grow. Through our efforts, we seek to enhance communities, promote sustainable practices, and positively impact the lives of those we serve.
Our programs are designed to empower individuals and transform communities. Our flagship Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program equips participants with valuable skills for successful careers. Through our tree planting and environmental stewardship initiatives, we enhance urban spaces and promote sustainability. Our Green Schoolyards Initiative creates vibrant, safe environments for children, while our youth education and engagement programs inspire the next generation to actively participate in community improvement. Additionally, we offer mental and physical health programs to support holistic well-being and ensure our services are accessible to all community members through various engagement initiatives.
Our Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program at SLA Inc. equips individuals facing employment barriers with essential skills through hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Each participant who completes our program becomes a state-approved apprentice, ready for union apprenticeships and successful careers. This program not only enhances employability but also fosters personal and professional growth.
We are dedicated to transforming urban schoolyards through our school greening initiative. To date, we have successfully greened over 26 schools, resulting in the planting of over 1,000 trees and the removal of over 100,000 square feet of asphalt. These efforts have converted barren spaces into vibrant green environments that promote outdoor learning, play, and community gathering.
Our tree planting and environmental stewardship initiatives are integral to our commitment to sustainability and community enhancement. We partner closely with cities and municipalities to identify and transform urban spaces through strategic tree planting projects. These initiatives not only beautify our neighborhoods but also contribute to cleaner air, improved biodiversity, and enhanced quality of life for residents. By engaging local communities and youth in these efforts, we promote environmental awareness and community stewardship. Through ongoing maintenance and education, we ensure the long-term health and impact of our urban forestry projects.
SLA Inc.'s FUTSLA program focuses on empowering youth through a unique combination of sports, education, and community engagement. Designed to promote physical activity and leadership skills, FUTSLA provides structured soccer training sessions alongside educational workshops that emphasize teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. By harnessing the power of sports, we aim to instill values of resilience and community involvement among participants.
Our initiatives have made a significant impact on our community and beyond. Through our Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, we've equipped numerous individuals with essential skills, ensuring each participant becomes a state-approved apprentice ready for union apprenticeships. Our tree planting and environmental stewardship initiatives, in partnership with cities and municipalities, have transformed urban spaces, resulting in the greening of over 26 schools, planting more than 1,000 trees, and removing over 100,000 square feet of asphalt to create vibrant green spaces. Additionally, our FUTSLA program integrates sports and education to empower youth, fostering leadership skills and community engagement. These efforts collectively promote sustainability, enhance educational environments, and contribute to healthier, more vibrant communities.
SLA Inc. has made a significant impact in reducing heat island effect for our children in LAUSD. SLA is committed to continuing to partnering closely with schools and local authorities, we continue to create lasting positive impacts that benefit students, families, and the broader community.
SLA Inc.’s 360 approach trains formerly incarcerated individuals and opportunity youth in a 60 day apprenticeship program in order to provide a pathway to union sponsorship and employment. SLA’s commitment to our community extends beyond training; we provide ongoing support, mentorship, and job placement assistance, ensuring sustainable careers and contributing to a thriving, inclusive workforce.
For the past 5 years SLA positive impact in our community secured and leveraged over $2 million in construction projects and grant funding to support our transformative initiatives. These resources have enabled us to expand our Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, enhance our environmental stewardship efforts, and green over 27 schools in our community.
