CISLA Back-to-School 2025-2026

Back-to-school season should be a time of possibility, growth, and hope. But this year, many return under the shadows of fear and loss.

Just weeks ago, what should have been a joyful celebration—graduation season—was overshadowed by fear.

Families across our communities missed their children's graduations, not by choice, but out of fear of the targeted immigration raids happening in our neighborhoods.

Across Los Angeles, the families we serve face systemic barriers to success—and the start of the school year is one of the most financially stressful times. The impact continues to be deep and personal—and it’s a stark reminder of the challenges our students and families are carrying with them into this new school year.

At CISLA, we know that for many of the students we serve across South L.A., Pico Union, Boyle Heights, Watts, and West L.A., the first day of school can feel less like a fresh start and more like a test of resilience.

That’s why your support matters so much right now.

When you give to CISLA this back-to-school season, you’re not just helping for one day or one moment. You’re fueling the trained staff, trusted relationships, and year-round programs that keep students connected, supported, and safe—no matter what challenges arise.

Your gift ensures CISLA is present-- walking beside students through every challenge, every triumph, every step of the way. You can help students and families feel seen, know they matter, and understand they are not alone.

Your Impact Start Here

Choose the level that’s right for you—every gift powers CISLA’s year-round student support.

$25- Your gift can help provide a week's worth of school supplies for one student.

$50- Your gift may support a backpack filled with essential learning materials.

$100- Your gift may help fund a care package with hygiene products and healthy snacks for one student.

$500- Your gift can help fund field trips, art programs or other experiences that inspire and motivate students.

$1,000- Your gift may help provide emergency food packages, hygiene kits, and gift cards to families impacted by immigration raids.

$2,000- Your gift can support emergency relief efforts when families face unexpected crises such as rent and utilities.

$2,500- Your gift can provide case management for one student for the entire school year with CISLA's youth development staff.

We know the impact goes beyond the first day of school.

Your gift fuels the people, programs, and partnerships that walk beside students through every challenge and every triumph. It removes barriers, restores confidence, and reminds them that someone believes in them—especially in moments of fear, disruption, and uncertainty. It helps families feel seen, know they matter, and understand that they are not alone.

Let’s make sure every student we serve starts the year strong—and knows CISLA will be there all the way to the last day of school.

With gratitude,

The CISLA Team