A Short Spring Blurb

Despite the lingering snow and winter air, Spring has definitely sprung at ALEC! We are excited to welcome new classes, as well as new students and fresh new energy in our growing family. The weekly schedule this semester resumes Project HAND (Helping Allentown Neighbors Dream), our community service project class, and Venture Outdoors. The great thing about Project HAND is that in the fall, the youth went through many guest interviews and personal surveying to asses what we can do to make an impact in our community. Now, with the work of Ms. Christa and Mr. Neal behind the scenes, we have gotten some positive help from the Hilltop Alliance as well as the Allentown Clean and Green Team and a composting company called Worm Return (more on our new friends later). Tuesdays the youth are split into two classes; Sight and Sound (with Ms. Christa) and Y-Creator Space and will be focusing on active designing. Sight and Sound will be an introductory level documentary class where the students will be grouped and paired with a teacher to explore the neighborhood, photograph their interests as well as video and journal their experiences and observations. Wednesdays continue with our Point Park mentors, Strong Women Strong Girls and facilitated Dude Time with Mr. Neal and Ms. Maggie where they construct team building and community activities to empower our young men and teach them the value of working together.

Our Mondays and Wednesdays are so exciting and with one week under our belt, we cannot wait to update you on our other endeavors and the progress we are making in our new courses.

Stay Warm and Cheery!

ALEC Team