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Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action

April 10, 2025

PESA EXPANDS TO UCLA

Students Lead a New PESA Chapter at UCLA Dedicated to Justice and Equity

A new wave of student-led advocacy is taking root at UCLA with the launch of a PESA club on campus, co-founded by students Tigran Poghosyan and Anahit Airapetyan. PESA, which has long served underserved youth across Los Angeles County through education, diversion programs, and mentorship, is now expanding its presence in higher education. With active clubs already established at LMU, USC, and several law schools, PESA is now growing at UCLA—thanks to the passion and dedication of these student leaders.

“PESA at UCLA is more than a club,” said Poghosyan, co-president and former Teen Court participant at Ulysses S. Grant High School. “It’s a continuation of a mission to bring equity and opportunity to students who’ve historically been left out.”

Both Poghosyan and Airapetyan became familiar with PESA’s work through their involvement in the Los Angeles Super Court Teen Court program during high school. The experience left a lasting impression, inspiring them to bring that same spirit of transformative justice and community care to college students. “We enjoyed the mission of PESA and wanted to create a space where UCLA students could not only support the organization but also engage directly in programs that uplift others,” said Airapetyan, who now serves as the club’s secretary.

The club is still in its early stages, currently recruiting members and filling board roles. However, its goals are already clear: offering internships, mentorship programs, educational workshops, and community engagement opportunities that reflect the values of inclusion, justice, and empowerment. The founding board currently consists of Poghosyan and fellow co-president, Hovsep Shanginyan alongside Airapetyan. They are working to expand their leadership team and grow their member base through outreach on Bruin Walk, social media, and interest forms available in their Instagram bio @PesaUcla.

More than just an extracurricular, PESA at UCLA will represent a vital bridge between university students and underrepresented communities. “Our work will help extend equity beyond high school and into college,” Poghosyan explained. “We want students from all backgrounds to know they can get involved, gain experience, and be part of something meaningful.”

By mentoring other students, offering support in college applications, and creating a welcoming space for dialogue and action, PESA at UCLA is setting the foundation for long-term impact—not just on campus, but across the broader Los Angeles community.

“Clubs at UCLA can be intimidating or exclusive,” said Airapetyan. “We want PESA at UCLA to be the opposite—a place where anyone, regardless of background or experience, can feel welcomed and make a difference.”

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