Take a blood-curdling look at the scientific inspiration for classic monsters from Dracula and Frankenstein to The Mummy and Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the special effects that brought them to life. For adrenaline-rush seekers, a new exhibit at the Natural History Museum is a scream.

A total of 28 high school students from low-income families were awarded scholarships from the L.A. County Development Authority as they head off to college and trade school. For Sandra Sanchez, the funds will help her start anew as she moves beyond a painful past.

Camrin Bonner faced some early-life obstacles. But with support from the foster care system and a mentor who helped guide him, this college-bound youth on a sports scholarship sees a world full of opportunity. He and other graduating foster youth were recognized at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Stars collided over East LA at the kick-off of the Parks After Dark program. Hollywood celebrity Mario Lopez amped up the crowd before sky stars lit up the evening’s activities. The PAD program runs for 8 weeks at 33 County parks.

A special appearance by comedian, actress and author Tiffany Haddish brought some celebrity sparkle and inspiration to the graduation ceremony for foster youth in the Probation Department. Find out the powerful, personal reason she gave each of the graduates a suitcase for their journeys ahead.

Dodger alum Ken Landreaux brought some blue magic to kids at the West Covina Library during a stop to promote literacy and share a few life lessons too. The partnership between the County Library and the Dodger’s organization aims to build a lifelong love of reading.

A new youth center has opened in South L.A that promises to be a safe space for young people to drop in, hang out, and get the support, services, and resources they need on the path to adulthood.

There were no odes to nightingales or sonnets on tender beauty. But teens at one County library listened intently to 17-year-old Ariana Smith, a Scholastic National Poet who led a workshop on poetry writing and encouraged her peers to dig deep to let words take flight.

A group of lucky kids will have their colorful poster designs with important messages about environmental health plastered on trash bins up and down our beaches, just in time for the summer season and throngs of visitors.