San Fernando Institute for Applied Media (SFiAM) Pilot School

The only pilot school in the Los Angeles Unified School District operated by an external agency, SFiAM is a technology and community driven small school in the heart of the San Fernando Valley led by YPI. LAUSD awarded the SFiAM Pilot School to YPI in the first round of Public School Choice awarded in February 2010. The school opened in September 2010 and now serves 420 students in grades 6-8.

A critical component of YPI operation of SFiAM Pilot School is successful fundraising. Over the first year since LAUSD awarded YPI the innovative middle school, our agency has raised an additional $1.46 million for programs targeting students and families.

• YPI received one of only 21 planning grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education for a Promise Neighborhood providing cradle-to-career resources for SFiAM families.

• A Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education provides fitness and nutrition activities for SFiAM families.

• A Full-Service Community Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education will target SFiAM with comprehensive wrap-around services over the next five years.

• YPI received $5.6 million in September 2010 to open 80 public computer centers. Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this initiative will provide SFiAM with a state-of-the-art school computer lab, high speed broadband access and educational technology services.

• YPI opened a center for our Health Careers job training program just blocks from the school. YPI works to prepare parents for high-wage health career jobs.

• The SFiAM Bridge Program operated by YPI during summer 2010 for 100 students offered academic support in the morning and enrichment services in the afternoon for students.

• YPI is operating an afterschool program for 80 students daily at SFiAM that provides tutoring, enrichment, and recreation services for students and families.

• With support from Time Warner Cable, YPI opened a neighborhood computer lab and community center for SFiAM families at the nearby Library Plaza.

• YPI’s Family Technology Project is providing computer literacy and home computers for all sixth-grade SFiAM families.