• On September 11th, 2024, John C. Fremont High School hosted a "First Responders Recognition Ceremony" to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11, supported by PESA. The event featured speeches from first responders, a flyover by LAUSD Police, and booths displaying student projects. PESA’s Stephanie Santillan worked with students to educate them on 9/11’s lasting impact, fostering civic responsibility and community awareness.

  • On July 19th, PESA partnered with Senator Durazo for a community event, where volunteers stuffed 1,000 backpacks with essential school supplies for students in need. Around 40 volunteers, including 10 from PESA, participated. PESA’s Elizabeth Sosa emphasized the event’s importance in supporting families facing financial challenges during back-to-school preparations.

  • PESA received the 2024 CESI Award from California Baptist University’s Center for Community Engagement and Social Innovation, recognizing their impactful partnership. At the July 19th gala, PESA’s Marta Ledezma and Araksya Nordikyan accepted the award, celebrating their collaboration with CBU’s social work students. This partnership has provided students hands-on experience while contributing to community transformation.

  • Ulysses S. Grant High School's Armenian Cultural Club hosted its annual Armenian Genocide remembrance assembly, attended by over 250 students. The event featured poetry, performances, and discussions highlighting historical atrocities and current threats to Armenia and Artsakh. PESA emphasized the importance of educating youth about the genocide to promote awareness, solidarity, and future advocacy.

  • PESA’s 10th Anniversary Gala brought together 120 attendees to celebrate a decade of community transformation through education, mentorship, and advocacy. Highlights included a dinner, silent auction, and awards honoring individuals for their dedication. The event emphasized PESA’s mission to uplift students, educators, and families, inspiring continued commitment to its cause.

  • On April 24th, PESA partnered with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) students to host 50 Cabrillo High School students on a campus tour. They explored the campus, attended a senior panel discussion, and learned about college life, academic challenges, and time management. The experience inspired students to consider pursuing higher education.

  • PESA partnered with Victory Outreach San Fernando Valley for a Toy Giveaway, purchasing over 200 toys with GALA donations. On December 24th, PESA’s CEO Seymour Amster, volunteers, and staff distributed toys to children and hosted games, arts and crafts, and food. Families were appreciative of the event.

  • Students attended the CAYC Youth Summit to practice civic engagement, connect with political leaders, and advocate for policies they care about. The event provided a platform for them to voice concerns, learn about government processes, and actively participate in shaping their communities through dialogue and advocacy.

  • PESA joined Councilmember Imelda Padilla and LAPD Mission Division at a holiday celebration at Sepulveda Recreation Center, with over 4,000 attendees. More than 15,000 toys, food, diapers, and clothes were distributed. Families enjoyed meeting Santa, art workshops, local vendors, and an LAPD helicopter take-off. PESA staffed a resource booth.

  • With Northridge Academy High School needing all faculty to administer an SAT practice exam for grades 10-12, PESA was asked to develop and run an educational program for 250 9th-graders. In just one week, PESA created an interactive, discussion-based day covering social issues, health and well-being, and contemporary matters.

  • In Fall 2019, Judge David Wesley, former Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, led a lecture at Loyola Marymount University. He discussed the history and current state of restorative and juvenile justice, highlighting his role in developing alternative youth courts locally and statewide, and their ongoing positive impact on youth.

  • PESA holds an annual holiday food drive, collecting canned and boxed food to support those in need. Each year, the donations are given to a different organization, helping to feed underserved communities. This initiative reflects PESA's ongoing commitment to making a positive impact during the holiday season.

  • In 2017, members of PESA’s Teen Court Alumni Association and current high school students participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Representing PESA, they helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society, supporting cancer research, patient services, and honoring survivors while remembering those who lost the battle.

  • PESA partnered with Senator María Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, and Councilmember Kevin De Leon to provide backpacks and essential school supplies to families in need. PESA volunteers, along with members from community organizations and elected officials' offices, spent a Saturday packing the backpacks with items like pencil pouches and crayons.

  • Each year, students of Grant High School coordinate an assembly for their peers, to educate each other on the history of the Armenian Genocide. Over a century ago now, the mass killings of the Armenian people was ordered by the Turkish government. PESA provides support for this programming.