We are 42 special education majors at
Illinois State University who are currently enrolled in Dr. April Mustian’s SED 388 (Sections 1 and 2) course on Classwide and Individualized Behavior Supports. Our class is part of a new course sequence at ISU called INFUSE (Innovative Network of Future Urban Special Educators). As part of INFUSE, we take immersion trips to Chicago and other urban areas in Illinois so that we can learn more about being successful urban special educators. This semester, we are continuing a project to support two schools located in Auburn Gresham. In partnership with the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), both John G. Cook Elementary and Simeon Career Academy are GOLD schools in GAGDC’s community-driven education plan. We have been working with GAGDC, the Chicago Teacher Education Pipeline (CTEP) at ISU, and our professor, Dr. M., to continue a mentorship through afterschool programming, called ROYAL (Revolution of Young Artists as Leaders), between Simeon and Cook students.
The students at Simeon are bringing their SLAM poetry skills to Cook in order to help younger kids develop their leadership skills through spoken word, just as the Simeon students have successfully done. Slam poetry has become a way for students to find their voices, talk about their dreams, struggles, and personal experiences, and to be heard amongst their peers and the community. To ensure we can continue continue programming and to make this community event a success for our youth we are raising funds to support their R.O.Y.A.L effort. Please help us support our future leaders in Auburn Gresham! They deserve it!
Click on the link or picture below to help our youth!
https://www.youcaring.com/simeon-career-academy-and-john-g-cook-elementary-in-chicago-445339 We plan to also utilize money raised to support funding of the award-winning "Writers Never Die" Slam team at Simeon because we have seen much success among the students! We want to help ensure they have the proper funding to take part in competitions and perhaps provide more workshops to younger students like those at Cook through this new ROYAL mentorship! We also want to continue supporting Cook Elementary, as funding for after-school programming is limited.