Will.i.am Partners Up With LAUSD to Add 400+ Robotics Clubs in Underserved Communities

By Eric Resendiz, ABC News 7
June 24, 2021

This article features members of the robotics club at our affiliate school, Girls’ Academic Leadership Academy (GALA).

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — On Wednesday, rapper Will.i.am and the Los Angeles Unified School District announced a partnership that will add more than 400 robotics clubs starting this summer at middle and high schools in underserved communities.

“For me, it’s a pay it forward. Because when I was in the projects, somebody came up with the school lunch program,” said Will.i.am. “So, what do I get out of it? I get to give back because I was a recipient of someone’s good doing.”

Since 2009, Will.i.am’s foundation called i.am Angel Foundation has focused on helping students living below the poverty line in his hometown of Boyle Heights and the surrounding area.

“Ever since joining the team in my sophomore year, robotics has been a really big part of my life,” said Annika Livingston-Hall, class of 2021 graduate at Girls Academic Leadership Academy.