C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California
C5LA, 3100 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
About
C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California offers a year-round youth leadership and college and career access and success program that includes outdoor adventure, campus experiences, and ongoing support through high school, college, and into early careers. Participants take part in activities such as hiking, canoeing, zip lining, and a 7–10 day backcountry trek in the Rocky Mountains, Adirondack Mountains, or Pacific Northwest, which can include traversing 30 miles at 12,000 feet of elevation with partner the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). As they move through the multi-year program, they also live in dorms, eat in dining halls, tour a range of colleges and universities, work on college applications, design and develop a senior capstone project, and attend workshops and presentations on academic and financial literacy, social emotional health and wellness, campus and dorm life, and career development.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Bridges includes a 7–10 day backcountry trek
C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California was founded in 1999 as the personal philanthropy of John Alm, retired CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises. John Alm initiated a partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District to recruit students for a leadership development program and enlisted corporate support. The mission of the C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California is to change the odds for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities by inspiring them to pursue personal success, while preparing them for leadership roles in school, college, work, and their communities.
The program engages students in a multi-year initiative designed to support them through high school, into and through college, and as they begin their first career. Each year has a specific focus: Year 1 Camp (Flint/Lantern) centers on “Learning to lead myself,” Year 2 Bridges (Hammer) focuses on “Expanding my horizons,” Year 3 Road To College (Compass) emphasizes “Exploring my future,” Year 4 ACT Now (Medallion) is about “Engaging my community,” Year 5 College Bootcamp focuses on “Realizing my vision,” and “And Beyond” is described as “Achieving my goals.” ACT Now is a week-long college-based program where rising seniors experience college life, including living in dorms, eating in dining halls, and touring diverse 2-year, 4-year, private, public, and community colleges and universities in both urban and rural environments.
The program includes a summer of outdoor adventure with hiking, canoeing, zip lining, and other distinctive outdoor activities. Leaders budget, plan, and cook their meals during certain program components. Senior ambassadors mentor underclassmen by helping them navigate classes, offering social emotional support, and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and student life. College Crews are campus-based teams facilitated by upperclassmen alum ambassadors who build a supportive social network of C5LA alumni and help incoming freshmen navigate academic, financial, and personal college experiences. Career Crews partner mentors with alumni to provide professional development, personal support, and career exposure in preparation for internship and career-placement opportunities.
The Executive Leadership Lunch pairs youth and professionals for a 60-minute exchange of information in which C5 Leaders hear about professionalism and leadership in the business world, and business leaders hear about C5LA from current participants. The program model aims to foster resilience, nurture social-emotional intelligence, and assist Leaders and their families in setting goals for their children. The organization collaborates closely with families, relying on their guidance and standing alongside them to support their child’s success. Annually, 72 middle school Leaders join this multi-year youth development and college access program, and 100% of C5 Leaders graduate high school and receive tools and skills necessary to pursue successful college and professional careers. Multiple generations of students are described as being dedicated to creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Last updated March 10, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Bridges includes a 7–10 day backcountry trek
C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California was founded in 1999 as the personal philanthropy of John Alm, retired CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises. John Alm initiated a partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District to recruit students for a leadership development program and enlisted corporate support. The mission of the C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California is to change the odds for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities by inspiring them to pursue personal success, while preparing them for leadership roles in school, college, work, and their communities.
The program engages students in a multi-year initiative designed to support them through high school, into and through college, and as they begin their first career. Each year has a specific focus: Year 1 Camp (Flint/Lantern) centers on “Learning to lead myself,” Year 2 Bridges (Hammer) focuses on “Expanding my horizons,” Year 3 Road To College (Compass) emphasizes “Exploring my future,” Year 4 ACT Now (Medallion) is about “Engaging my community,” Year 5 College Bootcamp focuses on “Realizing my vision,” and “And Beyond” is described as “Achieving my goals.” ACT Now is a week-long college-based program where rising seniors experience college life, including living in dorms, eating in dining halls, and touring diverse 2-year, 4-year, private, public, and community colleges and universities in both urban and rural environments.
The program includes a summer of outdoor adventure with hiking, canoeing, zip lining, and other distinctive outdoor activities. Leaders budget, plan, and cook their meals during certain program components. Senior ambassadors mentor underclassmen by helping them navigate classes, offering social emotional support, and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and student life. College Crews are campus-based teams facilitated by upperclassmen alum ambassadors who build a supportive social network of C5LA alumni and help incoming freshmen navigate academic, financial, and personal college experiences. Career Crews partner mentors with alumni to provide professional development, personal support, and career exposure in preparation for internship and career-placement opportunities.
The Executive Leadership Lunch pairs youth and professionals for a 60-minute exchange of information in which C5 Leaders hear about professionalism and leadership in the business world, and business leaders hear about C5LA from current participants. The program model aims to foster resilience, nurture social-emotional intelligence, and assist Leaders and their families in setting goals for their children. The organization collaborates closely with families, relying on their guidance and standing alongside them to support their child’s success. Annually, 72 middle school Leaders join this multi-year youth development and college access program, and 100% of C5 Leaders graduate high school and receive tools and skills necessary to pursue successful college and professional careers. Multiple generations of students are described as being dedicated to creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Last updated March 10, 2026.
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