by Helene Achanzar

The Orozco Adventures summer orientation program gave 55 sixth-grade students transitioning between Cooper Elementary to Orozco’s middle school the opportunity to learn about their new school. Students were able to meet their teachers, and engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities.

The Orozco Adventure program is part of Elev8, a national initiative managed in Chicago by LISC and funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Impact Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. The program is coordinated locally by The Resurrection Project (TRP).

An important aspect of Orozco Adventures is experiential learning, so students went on field trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Field Museum, Chicago Architecture Foundation, and more. The students learned about career opportunities at the zoo, different styles of boat-building in Vikings and Native American cultures, and Chicago architecture.

The students also took a day-long excursion to Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center. For many of them it was the first time they had ever been in the woods. They took part in team-building activities that focused on cooperation and critical thinking.

In addition, TRP’s Elev8 program provides parents opportunities to get involved in programs like The Orozco Garden Committee. Parents have been working throughout the summer to maintain the garden, harvest herbs and vegetables, and prepare plants for the construction of Orozco’s new play lot.

TRP’s Elev8 program also partners with other organizations to offer afterschool programs including photojournalism, ballet folklorico, mariachi, and a gardening club.

What makes this initiative unique is that it also provides a variety of services like parent leadership and financial wellness workshops. Students and their families have access to a health clinic at Orozco that offers physical and behavioral health services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

TRP has also created a parent mentorship program that began in Back of the Yards, which trains parents to assist teachers in the classroom. The program has now been successfully implemented at Orozco Academy in Pilsen.

Students participating in this year’s Orozco Adventures program were exposed to new learning opportunities. This has resulted in their ability to work together as a team and communicate better. These new skills will allow them to navigate the school system and have a successful school year.

Learn more about TRP’s Elev8 program here...

[slideshow_deploy id=’6702′]