CAREER & LIFE READINESS INITIATIVE
Grant Funding for SeaPerch National Competition in Washington, D.C.
The SD89 Education Foundation discovered that our students were State Champions, but did not have the financial resources to compete on a National Level. That’s when we stepped in and provided financial assistance to ensure our best and brightest were able to showoff their skills
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.
Students learn best with hands-on activities. During the process of building a SeaPerch, they follow an established curriculum to completely assemble the ROV, test it, and then participate in launching their vehicles. Students are encouraged to compete in a culminating event, the SeaPerch Challenge
IRVING MIDDLE SCHOOL HEADS TO WASHINGTON DC WITH CLOSE UP
Congratulations to our Civic Leader Investigation Irving Middle School, National Junior Honor Society recipients of a Close Up - Washington D.C. Educational Programs trip to Washington DC during Spring Break 2023. Thanks to the partnership of SD89 Education Foundation, School District 89, and the Village of Maywood, our youth will be able to enjoy and learn in our Nation’s Capitol.
Using Washington, DC, as a living classroom, students actively engage with the city and one another through interactive lessons, deliberations, and simulations through Close Up’s methodology and curriculum.
Students will enjoy the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Government Workshops, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and more. Our group of 10 we also engage and experience development with youth coming from Colorado, Texas, Florida, Montana, and Alaska.
Students will hear from and ask questions of public policy officials and other key players at places such as foreign embassies, the State Department, and policy advocacy organizations. Close Up partners with over 100 organizations in Washington, DC, to give them a dynamic perspective of the nation’s capital beyond the monuments. These are discussions that help build connections between social studies content and the world outside the classroom.
A huge shout out to Mr. Williams for coordinating such a great experience for our youth.
EXPLORING
EXPLORING exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders. Exploring is part of the Learning for Life career education program for young men and women. Adult volunteers who serve as advisors and mentors are selected by the participating organization for involvement in the program. The program is developed by local, community and industry-based organizations such as businesses, manufacturers, schools, professional organizations, unions and civic groups whose program resources match the interests of young adults
o Mission Deliver character-building experiences and mentorship that allow youth to achieve their full potential in both life and work.
o Vision Shape the workforce of tomorrow by engaging and mentoring today’s youth in career and life-enhancing opportunities.
Exploring program includes Career Exploration in Arts & Humanities, Aviation, Business, Communications, Engineering & Technology, Fire & EMS, Health Care, Law & Government, Law Enforcement, Science, Skilled Trades and Social Services.
The program also includes Life Readiness in Communication, Computer Literacy, Civic Engagement, Financial Literacy, Leadership Academic Skills, Character & Ethics, College & Career Prep, Positive Self-concept, Self-control & Self-motivation, Social Skills, and Team Building.
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER (MBK) Alliance works to unleash the power of communities working together to solve problems for boys and young men of color, at a level to improve real life outcomes. We believe communities are the unit of change to realize improved life outcomes for boys and young men of color. Research shows that collective work of community leaders, members, and public and private agencies pursuing the same goals for boys and young men of color can lead to sustainable, place-based change.
1. Getting a healthy start and entering school ready to learn. All children will enter school cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally ready.
2. Reading at Grade level by third grade – by age 8, all children should be reading at grade level.
3. Graduating from high school ready for college and career – All youth should receive a high school education and graduate with skills and tools needed to advance to post-secondary education or a trade school training program.
4. Completing postsecondary education or training – every American, especially young people, should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive a college education and career training needed to obtain and excel at the technical jobs of tomorrow.
5. Successfully entering the workforce – anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.
6. Providing second chances. All young adults should be safe from violent crime and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training and treatment they need for a second chance and opportunities.
RESTORING THE VILLAGE
RESTORING THE VILLAGE mission is to create an impactful partnership between Scouting, community leaders, and at-risk youth. It equips youth in embattled neighborhoods with the values, tools, opportunities, and mentors needed to build a brighter future for themselves and their community. THE SOLUTION Restoring the Village encourages young people to see life differently by exposing them to a path far more rewarding than the short-lived thrill and lasting anguish associated with life on the street. In a traditional Scouting unit, parents serve as volunteers who give leadership to the youth. In Restoring the Village, however, many of our young people come from single-parent households so positive community leaders step up and become volunteers to fill that void. With training and guidance from scouting professionals, these community leaders equip the young men and women under their charge with critical life skills, outdoor adventure, career preparation, a commitment to community service, and a positive outlook to help them be “Prepared. For Life.”
VENTURING
VENTURING purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult advisors, and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens.
CUB SCOUTS
CUB SCOUTS is a year-round program that offers fun activities that promote character and leadership development. Our program is designed to be hands-on, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in our programs. Scouting embraces the outdoors through camping, hiking and water sports. We also focus on helping our communities through service projects, STEM development and building confident kids through our wide range of activities. The Cub Scout program is designed to develop physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AGRICULTURE & MATH
STEAM IN SCOUTING Elementary school-age youth will enter the program through the PTAC Cub Scout units that have a specific STEM track. Being involved in a traditional Cub Scout program will allow the youth to earn advancements, and helps instill Scoutings aims of character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and leadership skills. Middle and high school-age youth will enter through the PTAC’s Exploring program, which will foster exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for youth looking to discover their future. We know youth must develop certain skills, habits, and attitudes to be successful in school and life, all while facing risks greater than what previous generations faced. Due to these risks, it can be difficult for young people to establish a vision of what productive adulthood looks like.
Nearly 200 D89 Irving, Washington Dual Language, and Stevenson Middle School 8th Graders invited to Illinois Springfield Capitol
The first legislative session was held here in 1877. The growth of the state had increased the need for more file storage and office space than the Old State Capitol allowed. Today it is the center of Illinois government. The building is topped with a 405-foot dome and is a convention of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire Style. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session.