Question 1

What is UCLA Extension?

Accepted Answer

Founded in 1917 as the continuing education division of the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA Extension has delivered the most advanced courses and certificates that annually enhance the careers of thousands of individuals across the United States and around the world. UCLA Extension offers online and in-person courses for professionals in the arts, business, management, engineering and digital technology, entertainment studies, public policy, health care, humanities and sciences, and many other fields. Find out more at uclaextension.edu.

Question 2

What is The SoLa Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Sola Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, aims to improve the lives of South LA residents and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for education and economic mobility. SoLa's Technology and Entrepreneurship Center Powered by Riot Games is a state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind center at the heart of South Central Los Angeles. SoLa provides the community with skills-based technology programming, as well as scholarships and career development opportunities for underinvested communities to ensure Angelenos get increased access to jobs, mentorship, and placement in the most competitive fields of business. Learn more at www.thesolafoundation.org.

Question 3

Will participants receive credit for workshops and courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Participants who successfully complete workshops receive a UCLA Extension Record of Participation and Continuing Education Units (CEUs), where applicable.

Question 4

What is The SoLa Foundation x UCLA Extension collaboration?

Accepted Answer

The SoLa Foundation and UCLA Extension have launched a new, first-of-its-kind, collaboration to provide tuition-free UCLA Extension educational opportunities for adults in South Los Angeles. Through this initiative, eligible participants can enroll in selected workshops and courses, all taking place in South Los Angeles, that prepare them for high-demand careers while earning UCLA Extension continuing education credentials.

Question 5

Why was this collaboration created?

Accepted Answer

South Los Angeles has such innovative and entrepreneurial strength as the professional landscape of today is rapidly evolving and changing. This collaboration was created to increase access to high-quality continuing education and workforce development opportunities within the South Los Angeles community. It builds on SoLa’s experience meeting the demands of the community and the educational expertise UCLA Extension has offered for more than 100 years.This collaboration recognizes potential barriers to entry and seeks to leverage these two storied organizations to support the South Los Angeles community at its own doorstep. UCLA Extension and The SoLa Foundation are honored to collaborate with the community and share a commitment to helping individuals develop new and in-demand skills, advance their careers, and improve economic mobility.

Question 6

What is meant by “tuition-free”?

Accepted Answer

The fees to enroll in the workshops and courses are covered by the program’s philanthropic support.

Question 7

Where will classes be held?

Accepted Answer

In-person workshops and courses will be offered at:·       The SoLa AI & Entertainment Center powered by Live Nation: 4611 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 ·       The SoLa Tech & Entrepreneurship Center powered by Riot Games: 961 E. 61st Street, Los Angeles 90001

Question 8

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

This collaboration serves South Los Angeles community members who are at least 18 years of age.Workshops are open enrollment and do not require an application.Courses will involve an application/enrollment process to be established soon.

Question 9

Is this only for South Los Angeles residents?

Accepted Answer

This collaboration is designed to expand educational opportunities in South Los Angeles. Specific eligibility requirements for individual programs will be announced during recruitment.

Question 10

What kinds of topics will be covered?

Accepted Answer

Initial offerings include workshops and courses in:EntrepreneurshipArtificial Intelligence and Digital Creative TechnologyStorytellingSneaker Science and Product DesignProject ManagementThese areas were selected because they align with workforce demand and emerging industries.

Question 11

Do participants become UCLA Extension students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participants enroll through UCLA Extension and become active members of the UCLA Extension community.

Question 12

How do participants register?

Accepted Answer

The SoLa Foundation will identify and recruit prospective participants. Information about enrollment, schedules, and eligibility will be shared through both organizations as details become available.

Question 13

How can community organizations become involved?

Accepted Answer

Community-based organizations, elected officials, workforce agencies, and other partners interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the SoLa Foundation or UCLA Extension to discuss outreach, referrals, and future collaboration opportunities. Email info@thesolafoundation.org for inquiries.

Question 14

Can elected officials or community organizations request a presentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SoLa Foundation and UCLA Extension welcome opportunities to meet with elected officials, workforce agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to share information about this initiative and future educational opportunities.

The SoLa Foundation 501(c)(3) is the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact. Learn more at solaimpact.com

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Fall 2026 Workshops

Workshops will be offered on select Saturdays during the Fall of 2026, with each workshop being approximately three to six hours long. Academic courses will be offered during the Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 academic quarters. Each academic course is 11-weeks in length.

Eligibility
Requirements

FAQ - UCLA Extension & SoLa Foundation

What is UCLA Extension?

What is The SoLa Foundation?

Will participants receive credit for workshops and courses?

What is The SoLa Foundation x UCLA Extension collaboration?

Why was this collaboration created?

What is meant by “tuition-free”?

Where will classes be held?

Who is eligible?

Is this only for South Los Angeles residents?

What kinds of topics will be covered?

Do participants become UCLA Extension students?

How do participants register?

How can community organizations become involved?

Can elected officials or community organizations request a presentation?

The SoLa Foundation 501(c)(3) is the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact. Learn more at solaimpact.com

x

Fall 2026 Workshops

Workshops will be offered on select Saturdays during the Fall of 2026, with each workshop being approximately three to six hours long. Academic courses will be offered during the Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 academic quarters. Each academic course is 11-weeks in length.

Eligibility Requirements

FAQ - UCLA Extension & SoLa Foundation

What is UCLA Extension?

What is The SoLa Foundation?

Will participants receive credit for workshops and courses?

What is The SoLa Foundation x UCLA Extension collaboration?

Why was this collaboration created?

What is meant by “tuition-free”?

Where will classes be held?

Who is eligible?

Is this only for South Los Angeles residents?

What kinds of topics will be covered?

Do participants become UCLA Extension students?

How do participants register?

How can community organizations become involved?

Can elected officials or community organizations request a presentation?

Eligibility
Requirements