South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone (Slate-Z)

established in 2014 and led by los angeles trade technical college, the south los angeles transit empowerment zone (slate-z) is a historic and diverse partnership of more than 70 public, private, and community-based organizations working to move residents to economic opportunity. as a place- based initiative, slate-z is home to nearly 198,000 residents in parts of vernon central, south park, florence, exposition park, vermont square, leimert park, and a small portion of the baldwin hills/crenshaw neighborhoods. the name “transit empowerment zone” was chosen out of a desire to capitalize on the compelling opportunities that new light rail lines and ongoing public transit expansion bring for neighborhood revitalization, and for connecting residents to education and economic opportunities. slate-z’s comprehensive collective impact strategy intersects jobs, workforce development, education, public safety, and transit to tackle the 46% poverty level in the area – one of the highest urban p