A group of upperclassmen from PEP Willow Creek have a lot to celebrate thanks to an announcement that came at the end of last school year. Thanks to their hard work, a service-learning project they proposed has been awarded $3,500 in grant funding as part of a national program to develop student leaders. The program, known as Lead4Change, is open to all 6th – 12th grade classrooms in the United States.
A win like this is extraordinary for any eligible classroom, but at PEP it is especially exceptional. In addition to the traditional challenges of adolescence and high school, all PEP students have IEPs to address challenges like mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities. Many have also lived through or are recovering from traumatic experiences. The contest was not designed for kids with special needs. It was designed for any classroom. Despite the extraordinary challenges, the students at PEP Willow Creek submitted a project that won national recognition.
The Service-Learning Project
At PEP’s Therapeutic Schools, students come from many different communities. Some travel long distances to get to school every day. As the students began discussing challenges they could address in their community for a service-learning project, they realized they faced a challenge very close to home. Because so many students come from far-flung communities, it was hard for the students to socialize with the friends they made at school. As they worked hard to develop critical social skills, they didn’t have a place where they could practice these skills outside the classroom.
From this challenge, an idea arose: a special space in the building where upperclassmen could go to recharge, relax and practice those critical social skills they were working so hard to develop.
“For our PEP students, social emotional learning is just as critical as academics,” explained Jessica Whitesel, the life skills teacher at PEP Willow Creek and the one who led the students through the project. “Just about every lesson we teach, whether it’s math, science or English, incorporates SEL in some way. Creating a space where these students can experience a sense of belonging and practice these skills without judgment is a game changer.”
Student Vision Takes Shape
Even before winning the award, the students at PEP Willow Creek began building out their special space: clearing out the room, prepping the walls and painting it a cheerful color. The $3,500 will enable them to purchase games, comfortable décor and other inviting features that will bring their vision to life. Part of the grant will also be used to create a similar space for younger students in the building.
“This is exactly the kind of student-led leadership we love to see,” said John Hamilton, executive director of Lead4Change in a press release. “These students recognized a need in their school and stepped up to create a solution that will serve others.”
Learn More
For more information about what is happening at PEP’s Therapeutic Schools, visit our website. Contact Nicole Molnar, sr. director, clinical services, at 216-361-7760 ext. 110 or via email to see if a student in your district may be a good fit for Positive Education Program.
Please note, referrals to PEP’s Therapeutic Schools are made through school districts in consultation with parents. Interested parents or caregivers should contact their school administrator.