LAUSD Local District South Hosts Shooting For Peace Ask-A-Pro Chalk Talk on Financial Literacy + AI Career Pathways
On February 5th, 2026, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Local District South partnered with Shooting For Peace to deliver an
Ask-A-Pro “Chalk Talk” virtual session focused on what students need right now:
financial literacy, real career exposure, and practical pathways into AI.
This session was distributed to 35 schools across the district, creating access to industry professionals and community leaders committed to helping students win—starting with the right information, the right skills,
and the right support.
The Mission: Give Students Tools They Can Use
Shooting For Peace isn’t about talking at students. We’re about opening doors—and building a pipeline of opportunity.
This Chalk Talk centered on two high-impact themes:
- Financial literacy — how money works, how to build better habits, and what to start doing now.
- AI + career pathways (16+) — how students can begin learning AI, get certified, and become eligible for income opportunities through skill-building and workforce readiness.
The biggest takeaway: students can access FREE resources right now through Shooting For Peace.
✅ Get started here: app.shootingforpeace.com
Speakers + Partners Who Made It Happen
This was a true partner-powered session featuring leaders aligned around student outcomes:
- Jerome “JYD” Williams —
Shooting For Peace partner and community leader
(Learn more) - Ronique Hicks —
representing Discovery Education and focused on education innovation and student success - JP Morgan Chase Representative —
delivered practical instruction on financial literacy and real-world money skills - Alexis Holmes (Vergarde Strategies) —
moderated the session and guided the conversation to keep it relevant and actionable - Duana Malone (“The Tech Queen”) —
highlighted technology career pathways and how students can build skills that translate into real opportunities
(Visit The Tech Queen) - Rafael Balderas —
representing LAUSD and sharing district leadership perspective
(LinkedIn) - Produced by Bryan Burrell —
coordinated and produced the virtual experience for students and school communities
(LinkedIn)
This is what it looks like when community + education + workforce alignment come together in a way that respects students’ time and delivers real value.
Why This Matters for LAUSD Students (Especially 16+)
For students 16 and older, the pathway is clear:
- Get connected to the free resources.
- Start learning AI and building future-ready skills.
- Work toward certifications that create real options.
- Position yourself for career pathways that can lead to earning opportunities.
Nobody is promising shortcuts. We’re giving students a real starting line—and a system they can plug into.
If you’re a student, parent, counselor, or educator in LAUSD Local District South (or anywhere in LAUSD), the move is the same:
✅ Access the FREE resources
✅ Share the link with students who are ready to take the next step
✅ Use the tools, build the skills, and keep moving forward
Watch the Full Ask-A-Pro Chalk Talk Session
Watch the session below and share it with your school community:
Call to Action: Take Advantage of the Free Resources
Shooting For Peace is building a pipeline of support for students who want more—more skills, more guidance, and more access to the future.
If you’re connected to LAUSD in any way, here’s the ask:
Don’t let the resources sit there. Use them. Share them. Put students on game.
➡️ Start now: app.shootingforpeace.com
– by Bryan Burrell