This is an official LACDA correspondence sent through Constant Contact.

Any questions can be directed to pio@lacda.org.

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS FOR

COUNTY PUBLIC HOUSING YOUTH

Annual Back to School Jams

Make the First Day of School Brighter 

Los Angeles County, August 19, 2026 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is pleased to announce another successful completion of the annual Back to School Jam events at the Carmelitos, Harbor Hills, Nueva Maravilla, and South County (Scattered Sites) Public Housing Developments. Students received backpacks filled with school essentials and the opportunity to make memories on one of the last days of summer break. Together as a community, family and friends enjoyed refreshments, activities, and the opportunity to access community resources.

The Back to School Jam season kicked off at the Harbor Hills Public Housing Development. Students eagerly lined up to pick out their new colorful backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies provided through donations from Rolling Hills Covenant Church. With the summer heat in full force, families and friends cooled off in the gymnasium, enjoying snow cones and sitting around activity tables smiling, coloring, and soaking in the time together. Community partners such as All for Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles Preschool, New World Academy, Twin Town, and Verizon were also onsite providing support, answering questions, and sharing resources.

The next stop on the Back to School Jam journey was in East Los Angeles, at Nueva Maravilla. Distributing over 120 backpacks with assistance from staff from the Office of Congressman Jimmy Gomez, families were excited to assist their superstar students select items such as pens, pencils, paper, crayons, glue, and books to fill their new book bag. Other valuable partners in attendance that made the event possible include Centro De Niños Los Angeles, Eastmont Community Center, Human Services Association, and Via Care, among others.

Taking the Back to School Jam excitement to South County residents was next on the list. Families were welcomed by smiling LACDA staff and ushered through a vibrant balloon arch to access all of the community resource tables and snow cones before entering the community room to shop for items. The community room at Scattered Sites had tables filled with backpacks, shoes, folders, art supplies, and other essentials. After collecting all their items, residents were invited to participate in coloring activities and games and snack on pizza, which was provided by Verizon. A special thank you to all of the partners such as Verizon, The Prism Way, American Red Cross, Shields for Families, All for Kids, and the Office of Samoan Affairs, for providing support to families and making the event a success.

The last Back to School Jam was held at Carmelitos where families enthusiastically lined up and started the event by visiting the community resources tables and taking pictures at the Teen Tech Center. Representatives from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, For the Child, Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA), Black Student Achievement Initiative, Sowing Seeds of Change, Lindbergh Stem Academy, Long Beach City College, the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, and other partners handed out treats, brochures, and dedicated time to speak to people one-on-one. Staff from the Office of Congresswoman Barragán also came by to check out the fun. After walking through the resource fair, students and families entered the Carmelitos Community Center, which was set up with different stations where guests could select their new backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and lunch.

“The LACDA takes pride in hosting the annual Back to Schol Jam events at each of the sites. The positive effort, teamwork, planning and heart poured into each event is reflective of the LACDA’s dedication to provide students in our public housing communities the confidence and tools needed to conquer their academic goals,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “Thank you to the LACDA Housing Management Division and our valued partners, with your assistance more than 400 backpacks with school supplies were distributed. Students are now ready to enter their first day of school feeling prepared and encouraged to succeed.”

More information on the LACDA Programs is available at www.lacda.org. All media may contact Elisa Vásquez, LACDA Public Information Officer, at (626) 586-1762.

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