Horace Mann UCLA Community School marks 100 years
On April 10, Horace Mann UCLA Community School celebrated its centennial with a video from UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk highlighting the special connection between UCLA and LAUSD. The day’s events included a panel discussion with distinguished alumni, special recognitions and commendations from elected officials, a surprise visit from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with students, a community fair and tours of the school to view a dozen new murals created by students in collaboration with internationally recognized and Los Angeles-based artists.
UCLA Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt and School of Education and Information Studies Dean Tina Christie delivered remarks regarding the school’s history and impact. Both noted the many benefits that have flowed from the long-running UCLA-LAUSD partnership. The formal program culminated with the presentation of a UCLA Community Partner Banner.
Latino “Opportunity Gaps” and what they mean for the economy
The State of Latinos in California, a 2026 report from the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute explores the challenges facing Latinos, who make up 39% of California's workforce and play a crucial role in the state's economy but also face significant barriers. The report highlights that while younger Latinos are achieving higher education levels and Latino entrepreneurship has increased by 44% since 2008, disparities remain in wages, housing, and health coverage, particularly for Latina and noncitizen workers. Latinos are also disproportionately uninsured, confront high housing costs and are exposed to environmental hazards. Addressing these gaps is essential for California's long-term economic strength and stability, the report concludes.
How do L.A. residents feel about their quality of life? Hint: It’s bad
Los Angeles County residents report the lowest quality-of-life satisfaction in more than a decade, with the overall UCLA Los Angeles County Quality of Life Index dropping to 52. Eight of the nine categories measured show declines, with the steepest declines in education, transportation/traffic, and cost of living. Concerns about immigration enforcement affect many, with 31% of residents worried about deportation. The lingering economic impact of the 2025 wildfires continues to cause financial strain for many, as 26% report income loss related to the fires. Released at the annual Luskin Summit, the index is a project of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, with major funding provided by Renee and Meyer Luskin and the California Community Foundation.
Connecting with local leaders for a better Los Angeles
UCLA recently hosted its first community partnership summit in downtown Los Angeles, an effort to strengthen ties between the university and local communities. UCLA’s Center for Community Engagement brought together faculty, students, and community leaders to discuss projects addressing homelessness, disaster preparedness, and civic engagement. Presenters emphasized the need for research that involves community input and builds trust. The summit concentrated on strengthening partnerships and promoting the application of research in real-world contexts.
UCLA Extension: Training workers and boosting the economy
UCLA Extension works with more than 45 workforce development organizations across California to provide career pathway training for individuals facing unemployment or underemployment. These partnerships leverage federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to help participants access needed training, upskilling, and support services to succeed in pursuing employment opportunities. By responding to the evolving job market, UCLA Extension helps prepare residents for sustainable employment through relevant training, vocational resources, and certifications.
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, UCLA event confronts one of medicine’s darkest chapters
On April 13, as communities observed Holocaust Remembrance Day, experts in medicine and public health gathered at UCLA to discuss the intersection of history, medicine, and moral responsibility. The event was moderated by Dr. Felicia Marie Knaul, associate of the chancellor, and a professor of medicine at UCLA. The focus was on The Lancet’s Commission on Medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust, a landmark journal report, which examined the involvement of physicians and medical institutions in the Holocaust. The discussion highlighted how physicians and institutions contributed to atrocities driven by antisemitism and eugenics during this time and how its findings can inform the ethical education of current and future medical practitioners.
2nd Annual California Early Wealth Accounts System (CEWAS) Summit
On April 17, State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian joined UCLA CalKIDS Institute at the CEWAS Summit to highlight the significance of investing in the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program, commonly known as CalKIDS. Launched by the state of California in 2022, CalKIDS provides children born in California (after July 2022) and eligible low-income public school students a scholarship to jumpstart their savings for college and/or career training. At the summit, Councilmember Nazarian was recognized for pioneering the legislation behind CalKIDS during his time in the California State Assembly and Treasurer Ma was recognized for her efforts in launching CalKIDS. For more information on CalKIDS please visit
calkids.org.
Amazon fellowships seek to boost AI research
Recently, the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering awarded Amazon fellowships to 42 doctoral students through three distinct programs associated with the Science Hub for Humanity and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative, which began in 2021 as a partnership between Amazon and UCLA, focuses on advancing AI solutions for societal challenges. The fellowships provide nearly $1 million in funding, covering tuition and stipends while matching students with Amazon researchers. This collaboration has resulted in significant research opportunities across various AI fields, enhancing connections between academia and industry.
Congressman Ted Lieu denounces anti-LGBTQ+ policies at UCLA symposium
U.S. Representative Ted Lieu warned of the dangers of conversion therapy and other attempts to marginalize or dehumanize LGBTQ+ individuals in his address to the third annual Inclusive Excellence in Research Symposium hosted by the UCLA Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research & Health. The event focused on issues facing LGBTQ+ communities at local, state, and federal levels. Lieu discussed his support for banning conversion therapy and highlighted California's legislative efforts related to this practice, as well as the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and public health policy.
Saving oak trees, one acorn at a time
Researchers at UCLA’s Sork Lab, in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, have developed a conservation strategy that uses advanced gene sequencing to protect oak trees in California. The team analyzed genetic data from various oak species to identify traits that improve resilience to heat and drought. By reforesting with acorns from these climate-adapted trees, they plan to create healthier oak forests that can better withstand changing conditions. The research undertaken by the team is supported by the National Science Foundation and the UCLA La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, which spearheads the California Conservation Genomics Project. This state-funded initiative is crucial for generating comprehensive genomic data aimed at protecting biodiversity.
UCLA researcher teams up with NASA to map the Earth in 3D
NASA is funding the Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE) satellite project, with UCLA as a key partner. The mission will launch in 2030 and use advanced laser-mapping technology to create highly detailed 3D maps of Earth’s forests, ice sheets, coastal areas, and topography. Chris Hakkenberg, associate researcher in UCLA’s Department of Geography, co-leads the biodiversity and habitat mapping efforts and may also lead work on wildfire fuels. The data from those maps will help California wildfire managers update fuel maps more frequently and accurately, while also supporting global efforts to track biodiversity and monitor how forests and ice are changing.
UC is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 895, a critical effort to sustain world-changing research that supports the quality of life for all Californians and fuels the state’s economy. Learn how you can help.
The California Endowment
Monday, May 18
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
UCLA Health
New blood test for cancer detection
UCLA researchers have developed a simple and affordable blood test called MethylScan that detects various cancers and liver issues by analyzing DNA in the blood. The test accurately identifies about 63% of cancers overall and nearly 80% of liver cancers in high-risk patients. MethylScan can also differentiate between types of liver diseases, potentially reducing the need for painful biopsies. Further studies will confirm its effectiveness in real-world use.
Sexual assault survivors find healing through art
The Rape Treatment Center recently participated in the Clothesline Project, showcasing T-shirts created by survivors of sexual assault to raise awareness and foster healing. From April 15 to 17, the exhibit displayed 475 shirts near UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, with red representing sexual assault and blue symbolizing childhood sexual abuse. Participants, including children, used art therapy to express their trauma and resilience.
First U.S. clinic for ultra-rare Bloom syndrome
On April 15, UCLA Health launched the first Multidisciplinary Bloom Syndrome Clinic in the U.S. providing an opportunity for patients to consult with multiple specialists in one location. This clinic addresses the needs of individuals with Bloom syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of cancer and causes growth delays. Dr. Vivian Chang, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community among patients. Together with a new patient registry set to launch this year, the clinic aims to identify and assist more individuals affected by this underdiagnosed condition. Above, Calvin Campbell was diagnosed with the syndrome at the age of 20 months. He is now 11 years old.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The California Center for Sustainable Communitiesconducts research on water, energy, and urban ecosystems at numerous scales with funding from local, state, and federal agencies. This research is used to advance equitable urban sustainability and resilience, and the Center’s work is deeply informed by input from underserved communities.
