LAEF MISSION
The Light & Achievement Educational Foundation (LAEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to the local community in the areas of education, leadership development, and health awareness.
THE NEED
Education
From 2000 to 2013 the dropout rate between racial groups narrowed significantly. However, high school dropout rates among Latinos remain the highest, followed by African-Americans and then Whites (National Center for Education Statistics, 2015).
12.4 percent of African-American college graduates between the ages of 22 and 27 were unemployed in 2013, which is more than double the rate of unemployment among all college graduates in the same age range (5.6 percent; J. Jones & Schmitt, 2014).
Health
Racial and ethnic minorities have worse overall health than that of White Americans. Health disparities may stem from economic determinants, education, geography and neighborhood, environment, lower quality care, inadequate access to care, inability to navigate the system, provider ignorance or bias, and stress (Bahls, 2011).
Low birth weight, which is related to a number of negative child health outcomes, has been associated with lower socio-economic and ethnic/minority status (Fiscella et al., 2008).
What We Do
PRENATAL EDUCATION
Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth. Light & Achievement's Prenatal Education events seek to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the number of women of childbearing age who receive adequate prenatal education, care, and resources. This annual event takes place every third Saturday in January in conjunction with National Birth Defects Awareness Month.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATION
LAEF donates school supplies to low-income students and schools providing a invaluable resource to the children by:
Affording children with quick and easy access to studying aids and tools that will help them in their educational endeavors.
Assisting the shelters, centers, schools and hospitals in their efforts to meet some of the educational needs of the children and young adults housed at the facilities.
WOMENS WELLNESS
LAEF's Women’s Wellness Initiative is geared toward creating steps to make long term commitments toward wellness
and well-being. We seek to provide relevant information and education on issues such as mental health, domestic and intimate partner abuse, stress management, nutrition, and much more.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
In today's global economy, higher education is no longer a luxury for the privileged few, but a necessity for individual economic opportunity. At the same time, college has never been more expensive. The Light & Achievement Educational Foundation provides academic scholarships to students entering and attending four-year universities.
YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
The annual Youth Symposium highlights some of the prevalent concerns that impact youth daily as well as creates dialogue, generates opportunities for youth to connect to community resources, and provides inspiration for making long-lasting positive change. The symposium equips those in attendance with the skills and competencies to advocate for themselves and includes workshops/activities centered around topics including college readiness, social and legislative actions/resources, financial literacy, teen pregnancy prevention, self-esteem, and many more.
SWIM CLINICS
Sixty-four percent of black children cannot swim; they drown at a rate nearly three times higher than their white peers, according to USA Swimming. The Light & Achievement Educational Foundation partners with local organizations and communities by providing swim clinics and swim lessons to address this disparity.
Donate Today
The Light & Achievement Educational Foundation is funded by donations of sponsors. All events are carried out by volunteers who generously donate their time. Financial contributions are deductible under section 170 of the IRS code.