As the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie G. Bunch III oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Two new museums — the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum — are in development. Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and is the first historian to be Secretary of the Institution. In 2021, he received France’s highest award, The Legion of Honor.

Secretary Bunch will be joined in conversation by Robin D. G. Kelley, UCLA distinguished professor and Gary B. Nash Endowed Chair in U.S. History.

Learn more and RSVP here.

What are leaders in energy and sustainability focused on now and over the next decade? Discover the innovation and opportunities that surround the cleantech space at the 9th annual Energy Innovation Conference on February 16th, 2024, hosted by UCLA Anderson’s Energy and Cleantech Association and Center for Impact. Immerse yourself in this year's theme Accelerating Cleantech Innovation and gain valuable perspectives as industry and public sector leaders discuss practical plans for innovation and adoption. Join this electrifying event to observe how these leaders are contributing to an important era of energy transition, influencing the landscape through 2030 and beyond!

Learn more and RSVP here.

Library Foundation of Los Angeles President and CEO Stacy Lieberman and City Librarian John Szabo will discuss the critical services of the public library that signify a well-functioning civil society and a flourishing democracy. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion, moderated by host of LAist’s All Things Considered Austin Cross, and learn how the partnership between the Los Angeles Public Library and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports libraries’ roles as hubs for community engagement, intellectual freedom, and civic empowerment. In a major election year, how can the Los Angeles Public Library continue to foster inclusion, free access to information, and democratic ideals while facing unprecedented new challenges?

Learn more and RSVP here.

In a major election year, how can the library continue to foster inclusion, free access to information, and democratic ideals while facing unprecedented new challenges?

Featuring Stacy Lieberman, President and CEO, Library Foundation of Los Angeles, and John F. Szabo, City Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library, in conversation with Austin Cross, Host of LAist 89.3's All Things Considered

Libraries as Cornerstones of Democracy

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library and live-streamed

11:00 AM | Program and Q&A

12:00 PM | Reception

Learn more and RSVP here.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Council of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles presents: the 2023 Literary Feasts!

Intimate dinners. World-class writers. An evening to support the Los Angeles Public Library.

Learn more and RSVP by contacting annamerritt@lfla.org.

Experience the powerful firsthand accounts of formerly unhoused college students and young adults aging out of foster care.

When teens age out of the foster care system, the combined challenges of independent living can be overwhelming. Join us as we explore solutions that allow them to thrive and the transformative impact of community support on their lives.

Hear from housing innovator Sam Prater (founder of Los Angeles Room & Board) and acclaimed author David Ambroz, recognized as an American Champion of Change by President Obama. Guiding us through the evening is the talented actor, producer, director, and activist Shanola Hampton.

Learn more and RSVP here.

As the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie G. Bunch III oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Two new museums — the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum — are in development. Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and is the first historian to be Secretary of the Institution. In 2021, he received France’s highest award, The Legion of Honor.

Secretary Bunch will be joined in conversation by Robin D. G. Kelley, UCLA distinguished professor and Gary B. Nash Endowed Chair in U.S. History.

Presented by the UCLA College, UCLA School of Law, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and UCLA Social Sciences.

Learn more and RSVP here.

You’re invited to the 9th annual, I Matter-Girls Empowerment Conference on Saturday, October 7th, 2023!

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) proudly presents the return of this FREE event, returning to East LA College for its 9th year. Girls ages 12-18 will get the opportunity to hear from powerful women innovators, educators, trailblazers and beyond! Girls will have an opportunity to connect with their peers and speakers to feel connected, inspired, and empowered.

LA County Parks will host an array of exciting and engaging workshops, panels, and keynote speakers. Girls are invited to join and participate in all events, including a Girl Power Lunch Party and Resource Fair!

Learn more and RSVP here.

Join FoLAR on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, at the LA State Historic Park for our second annual River Fest — a free open-air film, arts, and community festival bringing the River to the People and the People to the River! River Fest 2023 will feature a variety of local artists, live performances, short environmental film screenings, interactive art and education exhibits, food trucks, raffles, and more!

Learn more HERE.

In 2018 and 2019, 80 pieces of legislation proposed renewing or strengthening civics education in middle and high schools. How are educators redefining civics education to increase students' knowledge of history and facts while also keeping pace with students’ sophisticated uses of social media? With students’ understanding of our government at an all-time low, educators and experts face a challenging task, one that will shape the future of our democracy. Join our experts for a timely discussion of civics education today.

Learn more and RSVP here.

FEATURING: ACTOR AND A STARTING POINT CO-FOUNDER CHRIS EVANS AND FILMMAKER AND A STARTING POINT CO-FOUNDER MARK KASSEN, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE, AUTHOR JASON REYNOLDS AND UPCHIEVE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALY MURRAY

Join TIME as we convene extraordinary leaders from every field to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. This week, guests will engage in an essential and timely conversation on the future of education.

After registering, you will receive an email with the link to watch the livestream.

America is reexamining the role of higher education today. Changes in technology have profoundly altered the list of skills now most valued by prospective employers, causing traditional four-year universities and community colleges to recalibrate curriculums to address the evolving workforce. The global pandemic has also exacerbated a widening inequality with many lower-income students not able to continue their education after high school. Washington Post Live will focus on these issues, with one of America’s experts on the evolving role of higher education, as well as a former dean of Howard University’s School of Education. Join the conversation, Thursday, March 25 at 12:00pm ET.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Youth Led Solutions for Community Issues

Free event and open to the public!

Each year, Action Civics LA, a non-partisan youth leadership and civics education organization, convenes over 100 young people from across the city to celebrate the power of youth voice. This Action Civics Showcase is the culminating event of the school year putting a spotlight on youth community problem-solving and youth civic action projects from our participating LAUSD high schools.

Across the nation, young people are demanding that their voices be heard, and so we invite you to hear what our local Los Angeles students are saying and join them in conversation. Please join us for our 3rd annual Action Civics Showcase on April 24th from 11:00am-2:00pm in the Tom Bradley Tow... See More

Professionals from all sectors mix