Message from the Desk of Tamara Muzac-Bravo

Dear Friend of the Corps,  

As I reflect on my first several months as Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. It has been an incredible privilege to lead an organization with such a rich legacy of transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for young people across Los Angeles.

Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to visit our sites, meet with Corpsmembers, staff, partners, and supporters, and witness firsthand the remarkable impact of our mission. While each day brings new opportunities, it also reinforces my belief that our greatest strength is our people, the young adults who choose to invest in themselves, the dedicated staff who guide and mentor them, and the community of partners and donors who make this work possible.

This newsletter captures just a few of the moments that remind me why the Corps' mission is so important: celebrating educational milestones, preparing young people for meaningful careers, preserving our communities, and building partnerships that expand opportunity. These accomplishments belong to all of us.

As we close another fiscal year and look ahead, I am excited about what lies before us. Together, we will continue building on the Corps' 40-year legacy while embracing new opportunities to strengthen our programs, deepen our partnerships, and ensure even more young people have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in the future of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Take care,

P.S. Today is our final day in the fiscal year. If you're able, I invite you to make a gift today. Every contribution helps us continue transforming lives. Click here to donate.

Another Successful School Year in the Books

Summer break is officially in session! Every day throughout the school year, our After School Program (ASP) serves more than 3,000 students across 22 LAUSD schools, reaching more than 5,000 young people annually. Beyond academic enrichment, students participate in experiences that foster teamwork, creativity, and community, from our annual talent show and soccer tournament to hands-on environmental service projects. During Earth Month, the Corps joined volunteers from SoCalGas and the LA Kings to host a service day to revitalize the garden at Western Tech in South Los Angeles, creating a greener and more vibrant space for future generations of students.

Our commitment to education continues with our Corpsmembers. Last week, we celebrated the high school graduates of the Los Angeles Education Corps (LAEC). Corpsmembers who join us without a high school diploma have the opportunity to earn one through our partners at the LA Education Corps while earning a paycheck. Please take a moment to celebrate this special moment with us. Click here to see photos from the big day! See photos here.

‍

Additionally, learning comes alive through experiences like our Tidepool Cruiser program. In partnership with Heal the Bay, Corpsmembers bring this mobile touch tank directly to our After School Program (ASP) schools, giving students the opportunity to interact with marine life, including sea stars, sea urchins, sea snails, and hermit crabs! See photos here.

Whether we're supporting a child after school, helping a young adult Corpsmembers earn a diploma, or preparing for meaningful careers, our mission remains the same: investing in people while strengthening our communities. Thank you for being part of that work.  

Bruce Saito Honored by the City of Los Angeles

{Click Here to View More Photos on Instagram}

The Los Angeles Conservation Corps proudly celebrated former Executive Director Bruce Saito as the City of Los Angeles unveiled Bruce Saito Square at the intersection of Ann Street and North Spring Street, adjacent to our Northeast Los Angeles headquarters.

Bruce's connection to the Corps movement spans nearly five decades. His distinguished career includes leadership of both the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and the California Conservation Corps, where he served as Director after being appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015. Today, he continues advancing the Corps movement through his work with the Local Corps Collective.

Congratulations, Bruce!

Second Annual Career Fair at the Ford Theater

Recently, 80 Corpsmembers connected with representatives from 20 employers during our Second Annual Career Fair at the Ford Theatre, exploring career opportunities across a wide range of industries. Click here to view photos from our Career Fair.  

We are beyond grateful to the Ford Theater for providing us with the space to host this event as well as our Corpsmember Development (CMD) Team for making this experience possible.  

Career readiness is central to our mission. Events like these help Corpsmembers build professional networks, explore career pathways, and take meaningful steps toward long-term employment.  

Plaque Installed at Cinco Puntos Memorial

{Click Here to View More Photos on Instagram}

In collaboration with Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, one of our crews recently installed a plaque at the Cinco Puntos Memorial in Boyle Heights, formerly known as the Mexican American All Wars Monument.  

Following a recent act of vandalism at the memorial, our Corpsmembers worked alongside a local resident and Vietnam veteran to ensure the plaque was installed ahead of Memorial Day. The project was also supported by our Technical Construction Coordinator, John Franco, who served 30 years in the Marine Corps.  

We are honored to help preserve this important landmark and pay tribute to Los Angeles’ Chicano veterans and their service to our community.

Our Vision

We envision a world with resilient communities where young people are inspired to connect, learn, live, work and enjoy.

‍