OLASTEO

OLASTEO changes lives. As someone who knows the founders and has followed their amazing accomplishments, I’m incredibly proud and inspired by the life-changing work they put in every day.

OLASTEO opens the possibility for kids to strengthen and energize their minds (and what they think is possible). OLASTEO not only expands the limits of what’s possible, but provides the tools and experiences to fly far past those limits. Amazing job!

Olasteo is amazing organization who has given me many opportunities to travel to new areas and learn the important history behind them. They have been the sweetest people to work with and take the time to get to know us individually. I love that they work to give students like me opportunities that they may have never dreamed of, and I appreciate them for everything I’ve learned from their excursions and how they still reach out to make sure we’re doing well.

I had a great experience with OLASTEO. It was a pleasure to meet Ceci and Aaron and I felt that they were very knowledgeable and attentive. They provided me with valuable insights and advice that I can use to become a better leader. I would definitely recommend OLASTEO to anyone looking for support, guidance, and more knowledge. OLASTEO helped me expand my social skills and gave me the confidence to communicate more effectively with others and create new friendships. As a participant in two of their excursions, I loved that they don't just take you to museums and colleges, but also to fun places. I have tried new foods that I didn't know I could like, such as oysters.

As a low-income, hispanic lover of history, I am forever grateful to have been part of OLASTEO's Washington DC National Excursion. I've loved American history as well as revolutions and the ideals behind them, and coming out of the BLM 2020 protests, even attending a few, the spirit for a better world is ready. More than that, OLASTEO strongly advocates for all their students to become "catalysts for social impact". Their name even stands for our lives as seen through each other, which emphasized empathy, a vital component during the trip as we visited somber museums on African American, Holocaust, or American Indian history. Specifically, when visiting the National Museum of the American Indian, I was filled with both sorrowful contemplation, but also a feeling of hope, as each exhibit made it obvious that family, love, and tradition never died throughout all their struggles. Powerful lessons like these were plentiful because of what OLASTEO was able to show me and other students. They gave us life-changing experiences, and I am forever grateful for that.

OLASTEO provided me with my absolute favorite experience of high school. OLASTEO teaches students in a way that school will never be able to because it allows us to learn from first hand accounts and experience these heavy topics for ourselves. During my excursion to Alabama, I was able to visit the Legacy Museum which helped me see the Civil Rights Movement in a completely different way: through empathy. OLASTEO’s also helped me build community through learning about these difficult topics with still remaining close with people I met at my excursion. OLASTEO is such an important organization because it helps students learn in ways that are impactful such as through empathy and experiences that let students actually take a closer look at themselves and the people around us.

It was my first time ever going to the east coast and I wasn't disappointed at all, I was never bored as there was never a dull moment, I happily enjoyed new food and made new friends. I usually find myself very uncomfortable in most places where I don't know anyone, but these people made me feel like family, and I was very comfortable the entire time. I brought extra cash for more food because I thought I would get hungry in my hotel but with all the snack runs I didn't even have to use any of it. It was a truly wonderful experience and I definitely won't forget it.

Great organization that helps students explore more about the world and themselves. There are many immersive experiences when on excursions and they are all extremely meaningful. All trips are covered so that the students don’t have to worry about financial help and it’s a great opportunity to explore more about oneself and history!

I am so greatful for Olasteo! They took me on an amazing trip and exposed me to opportunities I never could have dreamed of without them. I Aaron and Ceci are two of the nicest people I’ve met and were so genuinely caring for everyone who was participating. This nonprofit is amazing, and deserves all the good that comes to it!

My experience with Olasteo was nothing short of an amazing adventure! I learned so many things and made so many friends along the way. I made memories that I will absolutely never forget!

This non profit was a wonderful experience to be apart of. I will say that they should work on better communication with parents and connecting the students together. Other than that I really enjoyed my time and was honored to be apart of the journey. I learned so much and I can never forget this trip.

I had so much fun in the program because it introduced me to so many new experiences and people. Glad to have been apart of it !

OLASTEO has given me one of the best experiences in my life. It has helped me to see the world in a different way. I had the opportunity to learn about the different cultures of people. OLASTEO at all time took care of us while making a fun and confident environment for everyone to learn and share about their own as was of learning on other. The awesome experiences OLASTEO brought to my life were unique and extremely helpful for my perspective of world.

Olasteo is a great nonprofit program that allowed me to travel to a different state and helped me gain experiences that I would otherwise never have a opportunity to gain. It was a life changing trip and I hope others get the opportunity to have an experience like my own. Thank you OLASTEO!

OLASTEO supported me by helping me get out of my comfort zone and giving me experiences that otherwise I could never had. Their trips have had an impact on me in a way that is hard to explain. For example, going to the African American History Museum in Washington D.C helped me to not only understand, but to see in first person the consequences and atrocities that the slave trade had, and to have another perspective of it's consequences in today's society. On the other hand, the people that I met, and other places that we visited opened me to see the world from a different perspective and gave me the confidence to be brave enough to look for different experiences. Now that I'm in college, I look back to the trips I went to with OLASTEO and appreciate those experiences as they have helped me to come into this new environment with an open mindset and excited to learn.

As an Olasteo alumni, I was given such a wonderful experience. I was able to go Washington DC and learn so much and experience things I had never thought of seeing. I was able to meet new people and make new friends. OLASTEO is a wonderful non-profit to me they do such great things that make such a good experience. OLASTEO will always be the highlight of my summer, it was the greatest if not the best experience ever.

I really enjoyed the Olasteo Freedom Trail Excursion. If it wouldn’t have been for Olasteo, all this history I learned would have only been based off of the textbooks. I learned so much. It is very different from seeing places and hearing things about the history than when you are actually at those places. It one of those good uncomfortable places. You become more tolerant and understanding to others and peoples experiences.

Your understanding of these stories and the history of the country we are in completely changes. Your way of looking at current events and the history and the root causes of these types of issues all comes to an understanding of the system and the way in which the country is ran.

I truly cherish my time with OLASTEO, making memories, meeting lots of wonderful individuals and learning more about history. There really is no way I will be able to repay them for allowing me into their family. I am grateful because the excursions have helped me explore my newly found passion for African American and Chicano/a Literature.

As a two time alumna I can wholeheartedly say OLASTEO is a life changing organization. OLASTEO first served me in 2018 when I was a close minded 16 year old who had never flew out of state. After my first trip to Washington D.C. I completely changed as a person having gained so much knowledge throughout the D.C trip. Not to mention the life long bonds and friendships I built with other students and OLASTEO staff. Thanks to this amazing non-profit, I was able to learn things I had never learned in school, explore college campuses and grow an interest in wanting to pursue higher education, and become an advocate for social change. Every kid deserves the experience OLASTEO has to offer. Words alone cannot nearly describe how impactful and necessary OLASTEO is for kids.

I have been part of olasteo since 2018, going to Washington DC and exploring something new. I went again the following year and still liked learning new things that I was not able to do the year before. Olasteo opened my eyes to a greater world outside of Watts.

I’m extremely proud to be an OLASTEO supporter and donor. I greatly admire this company’s dedication to fulfill their mission in empowering students. The time and effort that they put back into the community is immeasurable.

OLASTEO serves as an inspiration to all. I am a proud lifetime donor and would encourage all to support this amazing company.

If you haven’t already, please look out for Olasteo’s Feature Speaker Series. My daughter and I attended the virtual event with Carlotta Walls LaNier and read her book “A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School” before the start of her 6th grade school year. This is one of many virtual speaker events that my daughter and I have been able to attend to continue learning together.

OLASTEO has been such an incredible non-profit to work with and be a part of. Not only is OLASTEO empowering our youth here in Los Angeles with experiences that will forever change them , we are able to see first hand where our donations are going which I find quite rare with other non-profits. Aaron & Ceci are such passionate leaders and it is inspiring to see how they are affecting our younger generation. I encourage everyone to be a part of the OLASTEO community and become a catalyst member if you aren't already!

I have had the pleasure of working with both Arron and Ceci (at separate times) in the technology department at a major non-profit hospital. I know them to be smart and caring people invested in helping to expose students to life in a way that helps them to walk a mile in others’ shoes. With understanding comes empathy. “Our lives as seen through each other” is a mantra they take to heart, and I have been happy to support this effort over the years.

Olasteo has done a tremendous job pivoting efforts during the pandemic to continue its mission in expanding the world to the students it serves. The guests in the speaker series conducted over the last year have been timely, relevant and inspirational. The updates and newsletters provided by the organization are concise but artfully created. As a Donor, I am confident my contributions are thoughtfully being used.

Ever since I joined Olasteo, I have never encountered a bad experience and have been given useful information that I would never forget! This program gives you many new opportunities and makes you feel included and a part of something great. I’ll forever be part of this program and I am excited about future events.

GREAT mission, GREAT team! the CLOZTALK team is honored to call this org a partner & promote its good work!

CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder

I have been a part of numerous non-profits and I believe the most impact I will have will be with OLASTEO. Understanding that access to opportunities and exposure to various experiences are limited in many areas, we have and continue to bring these moments to underrepresented areas. Even in during the pandemic, OLASTEO has been able to bring important voices, local community awareness and great messaging to young scholars. I am enthusiastic to continue the good work the founders have started.

The combination of growing up in SouthEast LA, as well as teaching and coaching high schoolers in Watts, allows me to have a certain respect and admiration for leaders engaging with these very special scholars. I took Watts students to Washington DC in the 80s! I am very proud to be a reoccurring OLASTEO donor - the tradition of giving back to this community that is so close to my heart makes a difference in my life!

I have had the honor of serving on the OLASTEO Board of Directors since it was founded. Although we're a small organization, we are large in passion and impact. The Executive Director (and Co-Founder) is one of the most passionate people I have ever worked with. As a leader, his vision pushes us to keep growing to impact more students each year. By empowering students to serve as catalysts for social impact, we are setting up our youth to be the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

To be able to have the opportunity to travel to places like Washington, D.C, and outside of California is an incredible experience that I have never had before. When I was on the airplane for the first time as it was ready to depart to D.C. I was filled with excitement and joy to be able to catch a glimpse of what traveling looks like in an airplane. It was an unforgettable experience! When we arrived in Washington, D.C, we explored various museums, memorials, monuments, and the food at D.C was pleasing. Not to forget to mention that we also had Dydine Umunyana alongside us exploring, and I was enlightened to meet her in person. I learned that on this trip, there is more out there in the world to explore and learn. I want to be that person who can witness what's out there more than what meets the eye. With great appreciation for OLASTEO, I'm beyond thankful that they were able to provide me this opportunity. It has been life-changing and sets a path for discovery.

I have the privilege of being able to say that I am one of the first students to be impacted deeply by OLASTEO. I had never been on an airplane let alone, left California and summer of 2016, OLASTEO awarded me the opportunity to travel to Poland with Eva Moses Kor. We toured the concentration camps and I was enlightened by Eva's message of forgiveness. I learned that forgiveness is a method of self healing and I now have a different perspective on life. Additionally, even after my trip to Poland, OLASTEO has continued to support me academically and socially by providing mentorship and other opportunities like the virtual speaker sessions. Overall OLASTEO has been life changing and I have seen many other students that have also been deeply impacted by their opportunities.

It's heartwarming to watch these amazing students build friendships and embrace new experiences that open their eyes to so many opportunities they deserve.

Looking back, one of my favorite experiences as a chaperone in OLASTEO's Washington, DC trip was the Georgetown University tour.  OLASTEO brought inspiration, hope and new dreams to the minds of these students through this university campus experience. I listened to these students consider applying to this school, ask questions about the educational advantages and activities of campus life.  Watching the hope, excitement and positive outlook toward their future ignite as they toured the campus was absolutely wonderful!

OLASTEO does more than offer experiences and tools for positive change and growth. Through their partnership with College Track Watts, they help provide a strong foundation of support, mentorship and friendship for students of diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.  OLASTEO can help manifest the change needed to create an all-inclusive world of equal opportunity.  

I am an OLASTEO board member assisting with fundraising, marketing strategies, and most rewardingly educational experiences for our scholars. OLASTEO is an authentic and truly community engaging organziation; and just really a difference making non profit for students in Watts/South LA specifically. The leadership from our Founders and Board is unwavering, and we truly buy into our mission, values, and purpose. I would highly recommend parterning with, and considering OLASTEO for philanthropy.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to see first hand the life altering opportunities OLASTEO makes available to its students. Joining an incredible overseas trip highlighted by an enthralling, yet sobering multi-day tour gave us all a chance to not only reflect on the power of perseverance but that of compassion and forgiveness as well. It was without a doubt one of the most compelling experiences of my life.
OLASTEO is dedicated to providing opportunities like this for countless underprivileged students, generating memories and experiences that will guide and shape them throughout their lives. I cannot think of a better organization to be associated with, and am grateful to be able to play a small part in their ongoing mission.

OLASTEO is grounded in it's dedication to enhancing the lives of all involved. Through educational trips and remote activities, community enrichment, and individual mentoring of students, they are able to have a lasting, positive impact on each and every child and young adult in the program. As a volunteer, it has been every bit as educational and fulfilling, and I hope to continue working with such a fine organization.

I had the opportunity to volunteer for OLASTEO on their 2019 trip to Washington D.C. While I have volunteered with other non-profits before, this was an altogether different experience. Having the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves with the OLASTEO scholars over several days and different types of activities allowed us to see the impact it was having through their eyes. I also appreciated that it was a great balance of serious educational experiences and fun activities. They take their mission very seriously and I felt that I walked away learning just as much as the scholars. I would recommend the experience to anyone who wants to be part of building up our next generation.

When I was first made aware of OLASTEO and its 'mission' by one the organization's co-founders a few years ago, I really had no grasp of how much of an impact that vision would have on not only me, but hundreds of aspiring students/donors across the nation.
The time spent and personal sacrifices made by my dear friends in order to give students life altering experiences whether it be virtually listening to a powerful speaker or if it was PC(Pre Covid) going on an unforgettable trip to with other student peers who share the same ideals,values and perspectives.
They, The OLASTEO FAMILY, continue to strive forward with verve and unbridled passion for their students' despite the logistical limitations COVID-19 has placed on our world as a whole.
I myself have been able to attend three of the most recent webcasts via Zoom without any previous knowledge of any of the guest speakers and have been utterly blown away after listening to each of their stories.
OLASTEO will always be held in the highest of regard by me because of the genuine GOOD its doing for so many.

My wife and I became aware of the OLASTEO mission when we accompanied a group of High School students on a trip to Washington DC to visit the historic museums reflecting their heritage and others. The students are from Watts in LA. For many, this was their first awareness of the life experiences of those that came before them. In addition, an on-going speakers program allows the students to listen to other‘a experiences in many ways similar or more challenging than their own. Working with College Track Watts, OLASTEO allows the affiliated students to see what they can overcome as they understand “Our Lives As Seen Through Each Other”.