UCLA Extension was founded in Downtown Los Angeles in 1917 and took up residence on the corner of Second and Hill streets. While that building is no more, the Bruin Collaborative at UCLA Downtown on Spring Street recently opened its doors in October, and promises a new era of collaboration and opportunity between UCLA Extension and the many constituencies nearby.

On Oct. 28, UCLA Extension leadership began in earnest new public outreach efforts to local community groups. Both the Historic Core Business Improvement District (BID) and the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) visited the new sixth floor space, introduced each time by Eric Bullard, dean of the Division of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension.

“We don’t want to just come into the community and make assumptions about what is needed,” Bullard said. “I think it’s important to engage with everyone who works and lives here.”

UCLA Extension hosted the Historic Core BID Business Breakfast, which is a free networking event for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Attendees had an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments, hear from the dean and ask questions.

“It feels as though downtown is really growing up. And the university as a conductor will help develop our skills and broaden our networks with each other – and give us the confidence we need as a community to expand in our next steps,” said Blair Besten, BID executive director.

In the evening, dozens of residents visited the sixth floor for a meeting of DTLA RA. Co-founder Cassy Horton conducted a Q&A session with Bullard that further elaborated on the hopes for UCLA Extension’s involvement downtown.

“DTLA RA is energized by the infusion of creativity, opportunity and community that comes with the commitment of UCLA Extension to expand its role downtown,” Horton said. “We're fully committed to connecting residents with Extension and to an ongoing partnership that will be not just positive for folks who live downtown, but for all Angelenos.”

The two meetings are just the beginning of a sustained effort to involve the local community as Bruin Collaborative programming expands. Attendees were surveyed for feedback and suggestions on how UCLA Extension can best program and integrate into the surrounding neighborhood.

“Going forward, we will be assessing what the community wants,” Bullard said. “It’s still a work in progress, and we want that feedback as we progress. It’s important we are not just an entity that exists downtown, but that we are a part of downtown.”