Despite the cold weather, groups of Clemente freshmen set out down Division Street this past Wednesday, December 18, to explore various Humboldt Park community organizations. Student homerooms have each selected an organization to work with, and will now be organizing and completing service projects. Individuals will volunteer for up to 30 hours throughout the remainder of the school year, completing a large portion of their service-learning hours (a CPS graduation requirement) and also promoting the community service and civic action that the IB curriculum emphasizes. Not only is Service Learning a great way for students to get to know their community and learn about advocacy and social responsibility, but it can also boost scholarships and college applications.
Back in November, freshmen voted within their homerooms for the organization that they wanted to work with. These include:
- Ciclo Urbano (a local bike shop)
- Batey Urbano (youth center for the arts)
- Diabetes Empowerment Center
- Vida SIDA (HIV/AIDS clinic and advocacy center)
- Trailside Museum of Cook County Forest Preserves
- El Rescate (independent living center for LGBTQ youth).
Freshmen students and staff are excited and invigorated to be working for the betterment of our community. We look forward to our continued work on these service projects!