vla students learn that "Making a difference starts with Me”

Through their participation, students:

• Learn about the issues that are affecting the people in a community of choice 
• Discuss ways in which to intervene and assist individuals in need 
• Work towards correcting societal inequities and injustices 
• Develop essential leadership skills by encouraging students to think critically, developing their public speaking abilities, and planning for and executing programs, presentations and interdisciplinary activities 

In 2020, a middle school VLA GrassRoots campaign group successfully changed the name of Chicago’s Douglass park to pay homage to African American abolitionists. This work was highlighted in a documentary called “Change the Name” which was aired on BET.

Another kindergarten class worked to lower violence in their community by developing and implementing conflict resolution workshops with preschool students, participating in the Cease Fire anti-violence rally, and writing letters to legislators to ask for more funding for violence prevention initiatives.

Another first grade class focused on assisting families in crisis by raising money to purchase CTA bus cards and collecting gently used business attire to donate to a women and children’s shelter on the west side of Chicago, traveling to and speaking with legislators in Springfield to advocate for additional funding for childcare.

Community – We strive to develop a sense of unity within the  school, community, nation and world.

Leadership – We seek to empower, nurture and inspire  individuals to be innovative and resourceful leaders within their  own spheres. 

Scholarship – We encourage intellectual curiosity, knowledge  acquisition and dissemination, and expansion of educational  practices for performance improvement. 

Responsibility – We hold ourselves accountable for carrying out our roles in an exemplary manner.

VLA students gain essential leadership skills as they amplify their voice, demand accountability from influential forces, and work to reduce social barriers. GrassRoots Campaigns promote robust problem solving skills as students and teachers work collaboratively to solve an identified societal issue directly impacting students’ communities. The deep, interdisciplinary learning, growth, and development gained from participating in the GrassRoots Campaign process are invaluable for our students and provide them with a firm foundation towards becoming proactive 21st century thought leaders, innovators, and critical community problem solvers.