Antelope Valley High School, along with Eastside and Palmdale High Schools, is proud to announce the implementation of the Urban Scholars Program, a transformative initiative sponsored by the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). The Social Justice Learning Institute (sjli.org) is dedicated to uplifting youth and communities of color by enhancing their education, health, and overall well-being. SJLI achieves this mission by empowering individuals to become agents of social change through rigorous research, comprehensive trainings, and proactive community mobilization efforts.
The Urban Scholars program builds upon the foundations of the African-American Male Initiative (AAMI), expanding its reach and impact. This program is meticulously designed to prepare young men of color for future success in college and their chosen careers. It achieves this through a culturally relevant curriculum that resonates with their experiences, the application of restorative justice practices to foster a positive learning environment, personalized college and career advising and planning, and enriching cultural experiences shared with peers from different schools. Furthermore, the program incorporates valuable mentorship opportunities, guiding students on their path to personal and academic growth. While the Urban Scholars program is offered as an elective class, the AAMI club remains open to all students and continues to meet on Mondays after school in Room 626, ensuring broader access to its resources and support.
A distinctive feature of the Urban Scholars program, differentiating it from the AAMI club, is its emphasis on Youth Participatory Action Research. Students enrolled in the Urban Scholars class will engage in collaborative research projects focused on identifying and addressing issues within their school or local community that they are passionate about changing. This involves a thorough research process utilizing diverse methodologies such as interviews and surveys to gather comprehensive data. Scholars will then analyze the collected data, develop presentations outlining their findings, and propose well-informed solutions or recommendations. Crucially, they will present their research findings to relevant stakeholders, such as the school board or city council, providing them with a platform to advocate for meaningful change and contribute to impactful solutions. We eagerly anticipate a dynamic and enriching first year of Urban Scholars implementation, confident in its potential to empower our students and community.
Brotherhood, We Stand Together.
