The Rio Hondo Education Consortium, DBA LEARN, is an Educational Agency founded in 2004 to initially serve four districts and six schools through a federal Department of Education grant. Since that time, LEARN’s focus has grown to currently include districts in Whittier, El Monte, Rosemead, pico Rivera, and Pomona in both K-8 and high schools through various grants.
Our focus is to provide resources for underserved students and families to better navigate their educational journey and develop better post-secondary options by adhering to our Core Values. Our LEARN programs provide students with before school, in-class and after school enrichment Opportunities, Free Organized Youth Sports Leagues, Student Support Services, and college and career readiness.
To provide quality programing through proven strategies to keep students interested in school as active learners through high school and beyond.
To foster the belief that ALL children can learn through constant support and guidance of LEARN staff, strategic partners, children and their families.
To provide clearly specified benchmarks of success to achieve the highest quality of programming for students and families.
To provide a personalized and caring learning environment for students, parents and faculty to interact in.
To support rigorous and meaningful instruction for ALL students with applicable connections to the real world.
Working to Encourage a Culture of Learning
Leslie Laine serves as LEARN’s Director of Personnel, where she attracts, develops, and supports a talented team dedicated to serving youth. She collaborates closely with leadership and staff to foster an engaged, positive workplace while overseeing the organization’s human resources functions.
Leslie joined LEARN in 2006 through the GEAR UP project, providing academic support and college exploration opportunities for middle school students. Over the years, she advanced through several roles, including Youth Leader, Site Coordinator, Supervisor, and Director of Programs, before assuming her current position. Her extensive experience across the organization gives her a unique understanding of employee needs and informs her people-centered approach to leadership.
Before joining LEARN, Leslie worked as a tutor, music instructor, and musical theater camp counselor. She earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis in nonprofit management, from Brandman University and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, with a major in music and a minor in Spanish, from Whittier College. As an undergraduate, she had the life-changing opportunity to study classical singing in Italy for a semester.
Passionate about supporting people and strengthening communities, Leslie remains active with Whittier College alumni organizations. In her free time, she enjoys live music, theater, travel, and creating memorable experiences with her family.
