Public Works Group

Public Works Group, a 501(c)(3) corporation headquartered in Pasadena, encompasses three entities under the mission of connecting research to practice. Initially established as a research firm in 1998, Public Works started a community learning center, Community Works, in 2002 for parents and students to better navigate the education system and founded Learning Works Charter School for traditionally underserved, in crisis students in 2008. As our work has evolved, our roles have become:

• Researchers influencing policy—bridging policy and practice;
• Education coaches, tutors and mentors; and
• Advocates for the poor and disengaged with one goal—all youth deserve a high school diploma.

Our school practices a set of PRINCIPLES with staff and students. All adults and students are to practice and model our principles which include: FRESH START, FORGIVENESS & UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, SAFE HAVEN, REALITY & POTENTIAL, DESIRE TO GIVE BACK AND BE HEARD, HONESTY, JOY & FUN, and IRRATIONAL COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS.

Under Community Works, we operate three additional community programs that serve both Learning Works students and community youth: GroWORKS, artWORKS and Hope Works.

• GroWORKS is a school and community garden used to teach middle and high school students about caring for an inner-city garden and the benefits of nutrition and sustainability for the environment.
• artWORKS is a collaboration with the Armory Center for the Arts designed to facilitate the development of artistic expression for Pasadena youth and Learning Works students with workshops in a variety of arts, with space for performances and exhibits. Its mission is to develop transferable skill sets and connect youth to a multitude of community arts resources.
• Hope Works was created as a drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness on our school campus. The program is a free service to youth who fall between the ages of 16-23. To help unhoused youth in our community feel confident in focusing on school or work, Hope Works provides basic essentials, including an on-site shower, washer and dryer, and a warm meal, Mondays – Thursdays from 4 -7 p.m.