Wasserman Foundation Awards $2 Million to Teach For America-Los Angeles

Teach for America is an Atlantic grantee.

Teach For America-Los Angeles has announced a four-year, $2 million grant from the Wasserman Foundation to help build a pipeline of leaders committed to closing the academic achievement gap in Los Angeles.

Teach For America recruits and trains top college graduates who commit to teach for at least two years in urban and rural public schools. A growing body of research has shown that the organization’s teachers, known as corps members, have a significant impact on student achievement. Currently, more than 350 corps members are working in underserved communities in Los Angeles to improve the educational outcomes and life prospects of more than 25,000 students.

The Los Angeles-based foundation, which is led by Casey Wasserman, partners with groups that are committed to assisting those less fortunate and working to improve the community at large. “Casey Wasserman’s generous contribution demonstrates how community leaders can help transform education in L.A.,” said Brian C. Johnson, executive director of Teach For America-Los Angeles. “We believe his gift will be a catalyst and encourage other business and community leaders to support Teach For America, help get great young teachers into classrooms, and create real reform in our system.”

“Teach For America Receives $2 Million From Wasserman Foundation to Expand Opportunities for L.A. Students in Low-Income Communities.” Teach for America Press Release 5/27/09.