Heart of Los Angeles, known as HOLA, is a nonprofit youth organization serving local youth. It offers free after-school and summer programs in the arts, sciences, music, athletics, and academics to help students develop skills. Its office is at 2701 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100.
It was founded in 1989 in the Westlake area. Since then, the organization has expanded its outreach to serve students across arts, sciences, music, and academics. The mission remains to support youth development through inclusive programs. HOLA serves families and schools in the area, creating opportunities and partnerships.
In its 2024-25 impact report, the organization says more than 2,300 young people ages 6 through 24 took part in over 330 classes. It also notes that another 2,400 students and community members joined outreach programs and workshops. Families receive support services alongside the youth programs.
Mission
HOLA’s posted mission is to help young people overcome barriers.
Additionally, it does so through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personal guidance in a trusted environment in Los Angeles.
Where the arts fit
Music and visual arts are two of the organization’s core program areas. Its Arts and Recreation Center in Central Los Angeles opened in 2021 and includes a recording lab, a music pavilion, private rehearsal spaces and a maker arts lab, according to its Charity Navigator profile.
A 2022 architecture awards submission for the center says HOLA hosts three youth orchestras and numerous chamber ensembles. The organization began delivering programs in South Central Los Angeles in 2022.
Ways to support
HOLA’s website lists donation, volunteer and partnership options. The organization holds GuideStar’s Gold seal for 2025, which is based on the transparency information it reports.
Official site: https://www.heartofla.org/
Verified 501(c)(3): Heart of Los Angeles Youth Inc., EIN 95-4397418, ruling year 1996. This information comes from GuideStar and Charity Navigator as of September 2026.
Related: Silverlake Conservatory of Music is another Los Angeles nonprofit centered on music education.
This profile is part of The 824 Journal’s Nonprofit Spotlight series. See more in the Nonprofit Spotlight archive.
Sources
- GuideStar: Heart of Los Angeles Inc
- Heart of Los Angeles: 2024-25 impact report
- Charity Navigator: Heart of Los Angeles
- A4LE Awards: Heart of Los Angeles Arts and Recreation Center (2022)
