Independent School Alliance Celebrates 40 Years of Empowering Students, Transforming Lives

As the Independent School Alliance prepares to host its 2024 Impact Awards on May 9 at the Skirball Cultural Center, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal access to quality education for all students in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond.

The gala, which will honor Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures and an alumna of the ISA program, underscores the organization’s mission to bridge educational gaps and create opportunities for underrepresented and economically under-resourced youth in the greater Los Angeles area.

“Having her as our 2024 honoree represents a full circle moment for ISA because she is one of our own and exemplifies the mission of our organization,” said Dr. Dana Coleman, the executive director of the Independent School Alliance, speaking of Nicole Brown. “It’s about students taking their incredible talents to incredible schools and then building on that and living out their full potential.”

The Independent School Alliance has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for the past 40 years, bridging educational gaps and creating pathways to success for underrepresented and economically under-served students throughout the greater Los Angeles area. 

By connecting these talented youth with prestigious independent schools, ISA has transformed lives and communities, paving the way for countless students’ academic and professional achievements.

Founded in March 1985 on the Windward School campus with 18 original member schools, the Independent School Alliance has grown into a robust network of over 50 independent schools. The organization has served as a critical bridge for more than 4,500 families, guiding them through the admissions process and achieving a remarkable 100 percent college enrollment rate among its reporting seniors.

“We started with a small cohort in 18 member schools, many of which are Pasadena schools,” said Dr. Coleman, the executive director of the Independent School Alliance. ISA was the architect for connecting and supporting high-performing students of color with independent schools. And we still are doing that.”

ISA’s comprehensive support system is a testament to its unwavering commitment to student success. Families entering the nine-month program join as a cohort, starting with an orientation and moving into individualized counseling sessions. ISA assists with school visits, mock interviews, financial assistance workshops, and a streamlined common application accepted by all member schools. This holistic approach allows families to focus on finding the ideal educational fit for their children.

“Our application process is extremely rigorous,” Dr. Coleman noted. “By the time that they’re submitting their applications to the school, they’ve already been screened. So we are submitting what we feel are some of the best and the brightest and most aligned with school values.”

The Independent School Alliance’s impact extends far beyond admissions. Alumni attend elite universities and excel in various professional fields. 

As a nonprofit, the Independent School Alliance relies on the generosity of donors to sustain its mission and programming. Donations support crucial aspects such as counseling, workshops, and ensuring families have the tools they need to succeed. 

Dr. Coleman emphasized the organization’s ongoing relevance and importance in transforming student lives and the educational landscape.

“This is a win-win. Our students are transformed by the education they receive, and member schools are transformed by having them attend,” she said. “It’s important for people to keep an eye on that and remember that our students make a difference. Our students change the fabric of the schools.”

Looking forward, the Independent School Alliance remains dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and access to quality education for all students in the greater Los Angeles area. Through initiatives like information sessions and school fairs held in Pasadena, Los Angeles, South Bay Valley, and Mid City, ISA continues to reach underserved communities and empower families.

For more, visit https://www.independentschoolalliance.org/

To RSVP for their upcoming Pasadena School Fair and Information Session, please click here. For any inquiries, kindly contact the Independent School Alliance at info@independentschoolalliance.org or (213) 484-2411. Visit their website at independentschoolalliance.org to learn more about the organization.