Los Angeles students and families have access to a surprising amount of free help: homework centers and online tutors through the public libraries, free test prep, two free years of community college tuition through the LA College Promise, free transit passes, paid youth work programs and help applying for college aid. This page lists official programs by need, with who each one is for and a link to the official page. Programs, hours and eligibility change, so always confirm details on the official page before you go.
Homework help and tutoring
- LA County Library: Homework Centers: Free homework help, school supplies and help with research tools at participating LA County Library locations. Who it is for: Students in grades 1 to 12.
- LA County Library: Brainfuse online tutoring: Free, on-demand help from live online tutors, 24 hours a day, with an LA County Library card. Who it is for: Students with an LA County Library card.
- LA County Library: Student Card: A student library card offered through participating schools, with access to online resources, a limited number of print checkouts and library computers (with parental consent). Who it is for: Students at participating schools.
- Los Angeles Public Library: Student Success Card and online tutoring: Free online tutoring and online student resources. LAUSD students are automatically assigned a Student Success Card; students at other schools can request one from the library. Who it is for: K to 12 students in the City of Los Angeles library system, including LAUSD students.
Not sure which library system serves you? The City of Los Angeles is served by the Los Angeles Public Library, and many other communities in the county are served by LA County Library. Both pages above explain how to get a card.
College access and test prep
- Los Angeles Public Library: College and career resources: Free test prep tools, including practice tests, live online tutoring at set hours, and library workshops on college admissions, UC eligibility and financial aid. Who it is for: High school students preparing for college, and their parents.
- LA County Library: test prep: Free practice tests and tutorials, including PSAT, ACT and SAT prep, through the library’s online learning resources. Who it is for: Students with an LA County Library card.
Paying for college
- LA College Promise (Los Angeles Community College District): Tuition waived for the first two years of college at the district’s colleges, plus priority enrollment and a dedicated support team. Steps include applying to a district college, an interest form, the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, orientation and counseling. Who it is for: First-time and returning full-time community college students. Check eligibility details with the district.
- Cal Grants (administered by the California Student Aid Commission): California aid for tuition and fees that does not need to be repaid. Students apply with the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application plus a Cal Grant GPA verification; the priority deadline is usually March 2. Who it is for: California students heading to college. Your school counselor can tell you when local Cash for College financial aid workshops are held.
Our financial aid basics guide and the financial aid offer comparison calculator help families read and compare offers once they arrive. Community college students can also read starting community college.
Jobs and work experience
- LA County Youth@Work: About 160 hours of paid work and training, a career plan, life skills and job readiness training, academic support and mentorship, delivered through America’s Job Centers of California. Who it is for: LA County residents ages 14 to 24 with the legal right to work who face barriers to employment.
For a first job, see our guide to a teen’s first job.
Getting around
- Metro GoPass: Free rides on Metro buses and trains and many other participating transit agencies (not Metrolink or Commuter Express). Who it is for: Students at participating K to 12 schools, adult schools and community colleges. Check your school at the GoPass site.
- Metro U-Pass: Unlimited rides on Metro services in LA County at a reduced college rate set by each participating school. Who it is for: College students at participating schools.
Student health and wellness at school
- LAUSD Wellness Programs: LAUSD partners with city, county and community organizations to provide health, mental health and other services on campus at no cost to students and families. Who it is for: LAUSD students and families. Ask your school about services available on your campus.
Plan the school year
Key dates matter as much as programs. Our Los Angeles school calendar for 2026 to 2027 collects the dates families plan around. For students with learning differences, our IEP and 504 plan guide explains how school supports work.
When a free program is not enough
Free programs are excellent at what they do: a tutor for tonight’s math, a pass for the bus, a workshop on the FAFSA. What they usually cannot do is follow one student week after week and make sure the plan actually happens. That is what a mentor does. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a student with one dedicated mentor who meets with them every week, in person in Los Angeles or by video, builds the weekly plan, checks in between sessions and helps the student use free resources like the ones above.
Families in Los Angeles often start with academic coaching in Los Angeles, executive function coaching, a teen mentor or college student mentoring. Mentoring is a paid service; we do not publish prices, and cost is reviewed on a free 20 minute intro call. Book a free intro call or call (888) 305 5422.
Common questions
Where can my student get free homework help in Los Angeles?
The LA County Library offers free Homework Centers for grades 1 to 12 at participating locations and free 24 hour online tutoring with a library card. The Los Angeles Public Library offers free online tutoring and student resources, and LAUSD students are automatically assigned a Student Success Card.
Is community college free in Los Angeles?
The LA College Promise waives tuition for the first two years at Los Angeles Community College District colleges for first-time and returning full-time students who complete the required steps. Check eligibility with the district.
Can students ride Metro for free?
Students at participating K to 12 schools, adult schools and community colleges can ride free with a Metro GoPass. College students at participating schools may be eligible for a reduced fare U-Pass.
Where can we get help applying for financial aid?
Students apply for Cal Grants with the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application plus a Cal Grant GPA verification, with a priority deadline usually on March 2. School counselors can point families to local financial aid workshops, and the Los Angeles Public Library holds workshops on financial aid.
Are these programs connected to Blackburn Mentoring?
No. These are independent public programs listed to help families. Blackburn Mentoring is a separate, paid one-on-one mentoring service.