The Outlet

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." — Brené Brown

We are honored to be featured in the Illinois Times. The Outlet Academy has officially launched its inaugural school year, stepping in to provide a safe, supportive space for 22 students to continue their education and reflect on their paths. A thank you to the IT team for highlighting our mission, and to the NAACP for their years of dedication laying the groundwork for this important work.

Read the full story here: www.illinoistimes.com/news/the-outlet-academy-launches-to-work-with-expelled-students/

The Outlet Academy launches to work with expelled students - Illinois Times, the capital city's source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture A program that allows expelled students to continue their education is now being hosted by The Outlet after many years of being offered by the NAACP. This is the inaugural school year for The Outlet Academy, replacing NAACP’s Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Academy. There are 22 students, who are ....

Here we grow again. Today marked Day 1 of our training for the Illinois Dual Status Youth pilot program. Dual-status youth are simultaneously involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Through this new pilot, our mentoring program is expanding its reach in the region. Our team is gaining the tools needed to bridge the gap and help stand with our young people. Great training today Ms. Farris!

We can’t wait to get started.

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”— Neil Postman

When educator and author Neil Postman wrote those words, he was reminding us that how we guide our youth today completely shapes the world of tomorrow. A strong community isn’t just built on the spaces we share right now, but it’s built on how we prepare the next generation to lead.

Happy Friday. Some of the ladies from The Academy had the chance to visit and experience the Capital Area Career Center.

From exploring future paths to seeing hands-on learning in action, it was such a great experience. What a great way to end the week and get excited about the future.

The Academy program had a cool day exploring the educational pathways at the Capital Area Career Center (CACC).

We brought two different groups of students out today to see the hands-on, project-based learning opportunities right here in our backyard. From tech to trades, CACC is such a cool asset for students in Springfield and our surrounding communities. Keep up the amazing work, CACC.