As hosts of MLS Cup 2022, LAFC honored their commitment to the local Los Angeles community by teaming up with MLS WORKS, the League’s social responsibility platform, and BODYARMOR Sports Drink to unveil a new STEM classroom at the Watts Empowerment Center on Friday.
MLS great Jordan Harvey and current Black & Gold players Christian Torres and Erik Dueñas, along with members of the LAFC Academy, organized a sport + education clinic in which students engaged in physical activities while also learning how STEM applies to soccer. Each participating student went home with a pair of adidas sneakers, courtesy of adidas.
Since the club's inception in 2018, LAFC have been fully dedicated to giving back to Los Angeles, particularly the South LA community adjacent to their home of Banc of California Stadium. Previous local initiatives include the building of an urban futsal court at the Watts Empowerment Center, in partnership with community ambassador Stix and his ThinkWatts Foundation. The collaboration unveiled a mini-pitch and provided soccer programming as part of 2021 MLS All-Star Week.
One of the most active community centers in Los Angeles, the Watts Empowerment Center houses a 12,900-square-foot facility committed to children, youth, and families within the Watts Housing Projects. The Center provides resources for over 15,000 children, youth, and families in need. An estimated 66% of the families served by the Center live under the national poverty line.
The Center's new STEM classroom will include 22 new Apple iMac computers with STEM software, an interactive TV wall, and 50 STEM education kits, among other resources for the empowerment and advancement of the local community.
