Community Engagement
Perspectives is dedicated to using the community as our classroom and exposing students to all of the resources Chicago and our world has to offer. We believe this is vital in building confidence and awareness in our students. This occurs through three main initiatives.

Internships

This past year Perspectives placed 175 ninth and eleventh grade students in internships. Students were matched with professionals in fields that captured their interest, and spent one to two days a month, on site with their mentors during the second semester.

Field Studies

All students will participate in over a half dozen academically focused field studies that are integrated into their core curriculum. Every month students venture out of the classroom to apply or enrich their learning.

Community Action Projects

Our middle school students give back to community through community action projects. Once a month, students volunteer in community organizations to learn the importance of giving back.

In addition, Perspectives regularly invites community members to speak with our students in classrooms and as a part of special events. These are all ways we seek to keep students engaged in their community.

 These experiences are above and beyond what the average public school provides its students, but we view it as a critical component of the success of the Perspectives model.