A Commitment to Community Transformation
Founded in 1994, the Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC) was established to address the social and economic challenges facing the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate, and Vernon. State Senator Martha Escutia brought together elected officials from these areas to develop a regional agenda that prioritized community-driven solutions.
Since its inception, SCDC has spearheaded numerous community projects. These include operating bus shuttles for Montebello and Huntington Park, managing a federally funded home renovation program in Huntington Park, and facilitating Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers in 2000 and 2021. The organization has also supported local businesses through the Small Business Micro Loan Program and a business assistance center, promoted health initiatives by establishing the Southeast Health Coalition, and invested in education by co-sponsoring a college scholarship program and organizing a college fair for students in the Southeast region.
Digital Equity in Southeast Los Angeles
This year, through grant support from the California Community Foundation (CCF) administered by the SELA Collaborative, SCDC is focusing on advancing digital equity across SELA. Currently, about 17% of households in SELA rely solely on smartphones for internet access, nearly double the Los Angeles County average. This digital gap creates barriers for residents to access essential opportunities and services that are increasingly dependent on reliable broadband connectivity.
Students who lack robust internet access struggle to complete homework, participate in virtual learning, and access online educational resources, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers. This lack of access widens the educational achievement gap, which can have long-term consequences for their academic success and future career opportunities.
For adults, limited internet access hinders their ability to search and apply for jobs, access online training programs, or develop digital skills needed for the modern workforce. It also complicates everyday tasks, such as managing household finances, accessing telehealth services, or communicating with government agencies for benefits and support programs.
SCDC realizes that digital inequity disproportionately impacts low-income households, immigrants, and communities of color, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. For example, applying for government programs like rental assistance, food benefits, or healthcare often requires online forms, documentation uploads, or virtual follow-ups—tasks that are daunting without reliable internet or digital literacy skills.
To address these concerns, SCDC is working with the Bell Technology Center and Bell Gardens Resource Center to create or expand on a variety of services, including:
- Workshops for parents focused on technology best practices, financial literacy, and the college application process
- Opportunities for civic engagement and policy advocacy
- Technical assistance for applications to public programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Discount, low-cost internet services, and free/low-cost computing devices
- A comprehensive referral system that connects residents to public service providers that offer health, employment, and education services for families
To meet more specific needs as they arise, SCDC has also offered one-on-one workshops to connect residents with specially tailored resources. Additionally, SCDC is also maximizing their outreach and resource offerings by partnering with with local colleges and universities including East Los Angeles College and California State University Los Angeles.
SELA Connected
By addressing digital disparities, SCDC is empowering residents to thrive in a tech-driven world, while fostering greater equity and resilience in the community. With the support of partners like the California Community Foundation, the SELA Collaborative, and community partners, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a brighter, more connected future where all residents can fully participate and succeed in today’s digital society.
The Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative is a network of organizations working together to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector and increase civic engagement in Southeast LA. Founded in 2011 by eleven core organizations, the Collaborative seeks to revitalize the communities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, Vernon, and Walnut Park.
These grantee vignettes highlight the work and impact of individual Collaborative members, each of whom have a long history of serving and advocating in partnership with residents of Southeast Los Angeles. Read more about the SELA region here.
Author
Emily Phillips
Emily (she/her) is the Project Specialist at Neighborhood Data for Social Change. Emily received her Master in Public Policy with a specialization in advocacy communications from the USC Price School in the Spring of 2024. Prior to relocating to Southern California, Emily grew up in Phoenix and then obtained her BA in Political Science and Global Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Her main focus incudes policy advocacy across a variety of policy areas including housing, health, and racial justice. She is passionate about community engagement and social impact.
Other contributors include: Nicole Ouyang & Ben Regev
Sources
Our beginning. Southeast Community Development Corporation. (n.d.). https://www.scdcorp.org/about-us/history/
