These experiences were designed to expand the knowledge base of the entire community. The Turner thematic focus on improving health and nutrition is helping to change the food culture and nutrition of a neighborhood. The university students were not solely engaged in altruism but, in linking with the middle school students, were conducting university-level research and developing products essential to their own area of study and of benefit to the community. We learned about the extended day and Saturday community school program at Turner. It appears that many Philadelphia schools are indeed becoming beacons of service to and involvement with the broader community.
Participants learn skills and improve their self-esteem by rehabilitating abandoned houses.
At the end of ten months of training, participants have basic construction skills, earn regular high school diplomas, and see low-income families move into the houses they rebuilt. YouthBuild allowed us to view the continuum of youth education and service offerings from the perspective of an alternative learning environment. The visit included a walk through several houses being rehabilitated on High Street for low-income families and an opportunity to witness a neighborhood block being reclaimed from blight and disrepair. We also saw this linking function in Philadelphia High School Academies, Inc., which bridges the school and business community. Finally, we were pleased to know that the school system has joined with community based organizations, such as YouthBuild, to collaboratively address the needs of youth.