WhatsApp Co-founder Jan Koum Funds Major Expansion for Los Angeles School
TL;DR
- Jan Koum donated $36 million to Milken Community School.
- The funds enabled the opening of a new campus in Bel Air.
- The school has seen a 40% increase in student applications.
- The expansion brings the school's total footprint to 28 acres.
A new high school campus has opened in Bel Air, Los Angeles, following a $36 million contribution from WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum. The facility, now named the Jan Koum Campus, serves students in grades 9 through 12.
The school, Milken Community School, acquired the site from the American Jewish University. This addition expands the institution's total land holdings to 28 acres across three separate locations.
School leadership noted that the expansion was necessary to accommodate a 40% surge in applications. The donation from the Koum Family Foundation is part of a broader capital campaign that has raised $152 million, marking a significant milestone for Jewish education funding.
During the inauguration ceremony, officials addressed the importance of the new space in light of rising concerns regarding antisemitism. The event featured performances and remarks from community leaders and students.
Why It Matters
This development highlights the role of private philanthropy in supporting educational infrastructure for specific cultural and religious communities in the United States. The school's expansion, driven by record-high application rates, reflects broader trends in demand for specialized private education within the Los Angeles area.
Oct 29, 2026 · Updated 10/29/2026, 10:34:18 AM · Reported with: Times of India US
Sources (1)
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Times of India US — WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum's $36 million donation helps expand Los Angeles Jewish schoolUp next · Community
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