NBCUniversal Announces Grant for Project GRAD in North Hollywood

The NBCUniversal Foundation announced recently that it awarded $200,000 in grants to six non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles dedicated to improving public secondary education.  

One of the recipients of the grants was , which is based in North Hollywood and received $26,250. 

Project GRAD is located directly across from on Erwin Street and Willowcrest Avenue. There are high proportions of young Americans leaving school unprepared and this national, non-profit program has stepped up to bridge that gap.

Since 1999, it has been providing guidance to young, low-income students facing obstacles that can cause them to drop out. Working closely with students, teachers and parents, the program's ultimate goal is to improve the approach of teaching basic skills in the classroom.

"Serving the community is critical to the success of any station," said Craig Robinson, who is the president and general manager of NBC4 Los Angeles and its executive vice president/chief diversity officer, in a press release. "Whether it's delivering news that is relevant or partnering with organizations that make a difference in the lives of local residents, being in-touch with and involved in the community you cover is crucial. We are proud to support the work of Project GRAD Los Angeles in promoting a brighter future for our youth."

The foundation, now it its 6th year, has given nearly $7 million to non-profits across the country that have "demonstrated a commitment to improving educational opportunities for public school students in sixth through twelfth grades," according to NBCUniversal.

The money for Project GRAD was going to be dedicated to the College Readiness Initiative.

"With NBCUniversal’s support, Project GRAD’s College Readiness Initiative is preparing more first generation college-goers not just to attend college, but to succeed in college. And that, ultimately benefits us all,” said Ford Roosevelt, the president and CEO of Project GRAD Los Angeles, in a press release. 

Five other Los Angeles area organizations also received grants from the NBCUniversal Foundation -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, City Year Los Angeles, Communities in Schools Los Angeles, Los Angeles Education Partnership and the Urban Media Foundation.

Lisa Fellicano contributed to this story.