In collaboration with Pacsun
The Los Angeles Rams and Pacsun are teaming up to combat chronic absenteeism in under-resourced schools. The dynamic duo is teaming up to donate washer and dryer sets to local schools in historically under-resourced communities. Their recently launched “Loads of Love” program is supported by the Think Watts Foundation. 20 schools from Compton Unified School District and Los Angeles Unified School District will receive a complete set to aid children in need of clean clothes.
The U.S. Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as missing at least 15 days of school in a year. This is a widespread educational crisis. Studies show students in underserved communities are chronically absent due to a variety of factors such as poor health, limited transportation, lack of safety, and limited access to clean clothes.
On May 24, the Rams and Pacsun joined with the Think Watts Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District to host a free Pacsun Pop-Up Shopping Experience and washer and dryer ribbon cutting for students for 112th STEAM Academy in Watts. Runningback Kyrren William autographed cards and there was also a youth football clinic.
Prior to the 2023 season, the Rams and Pacsun renewed their partnership which focused on incentivizing attendance at schools supported by Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, a non-profit managing 20 of LA Unified’s highest-need schools in Watts, South LA, and Boyle Heights. In addition, the two companies launched their “Geared for Greatness” program.
“Geared for Greatness” is an initiative that provides new and fashionable clothing to children in order to get them excited about being present in school. Throughout the last four years, the two companies have donated more than $3 million and on-trend clothing to more than 30,000 students in LA County. In addition to the “Geared for Greatness Program”, there is a “Loads of Love” program which includes the companies donating an additional $2 million in clothing.
“At Los Angeles Unified, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that begins with being present in the classroom,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “By addressing barriers such as access to clean clothing, the Los Angeles Rams and partners are making a tangible difference in the lives of our students.”