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Changing the course

Teacher helping young student working on laptop.
David Geffen continues to partner with UCLA to transform educational practices, preparing young people to succeed and to serve society well into the future.

When is the term “game changer” not an overstatement? When it’s used to describe one of UCLA’s most inspiring donors: visionary music and film executive and philanthropist David Geffen. Through his legendary generosity, he continues to partner with UCLA to transform educational practices, preparing young people to succeed and to serve society well into the future.

An inspired and inspiring investment

With a lead investment of $100 million, David Geffen is establishing the Geffen Academy at UCLA, an innovative college-preparatory school meant to help change the course of secondary education. Integrated with UCLA, the Geffen Academy at UCLA will make the vast resources of a premier public research university — people, places and programs — accessible by its faculty and students.

University Chancellor Gene Block says, “The Geffen Academy at UCLA will enhance our ability to deliver on our core mission: research that informs teaching and service to our community.”

A longstanding partnership

Geffen’s gift extends his commitment to education in general and, in particular, to UCLA, where his giving now totals more than $400 million. He is the largest individual donor to UCLA. It also extends UCLA’s contributions to the field of education. Founded as a school to train teachers more than 100 years ago, UCLA has revolutionized learning from the start. The Geffen Academy will be the university’s seventh K–12 school or partner school in Los Angeles.

“I’m happy to support UCLA in the creation of this unique educational opportunity for Los Angeles youth and the faculty, staff, and students of the university,” says Geffen.

As a lead gift, this new investment also is meant to inspire other forward-thinking donors in Los Angeles — those who place unparalleled value on education.

To learn more, contact

Susan Beeson310-794-0914

Published December 2015

David Geffen

Donor David Geffen

Young smiling student with laptop.

The Geffen Academy at UCLA is an innovative college-preparatory school meant to help change the course of secondary education.

Young female student standing against lockers wearing backpack and with books in hand.

The Geffen Academy at UCLA is an innovative college-preparatory school meant to help change the course of secondary education.

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