Social Justice Learning Institute

Empowering Youth Through Education: SJLI uses education as a tool to empower youth of color to succeed as scholars, express themselves creatively and unlock their ability to transform their world. SJLI provides culturally relevant teaching, curriculum development and academic support through a social justice lens. SJLI provides tools and skills for youth to express themselves creatively and to take control of telling their own stories. SJLI creates pipelines for young men of color to pursue careers in the Allied Health and Medical fields. SJLI teaches youth to advocate for themselves and their communities. SJLI provides residents with knowledge to improve health outcomes for themselves and their community.

SPECIAL PROJECTS:College Persistence and Alumni Programming To house that enhanced intentional programming for our alumni, the Special Projects Program Area was created with a team to support the SJLI alumni as they navigate years 18-25. SJLI began planning for more effective and impactful efforts to support Urban Scholars alumni on their journeys in college and the workforce by connecting them to resources related to academic success, tuition, and housing. During 2020-21, SJLI developed a staffing plan dedicated to college & career persistence and alumni supportive services that would roll out in the 2021-22 fiscal year. One of the Special Projects programs, Higher Pathways, ensures that our alumni successfully reach young adulthood. SJLI has been able to facilitate workshops and retreats focused on achieving educational, career and economic growth. SJLI has hosted monthly alumni meetings, created a book club, conducted life skills sessions (financial literacy, leasing vs owning, cooking demonstrations, etc.) and counseling sessions to help each young person develop a personal success action plan. SJLI collaborates with corporations and small businesses to host career panels, provide internships and other team building learning spaces. In June 2022, SJLI hosted the first Summer Bridge program for graduating seniors to attend a weeklong series of career and personal development workshops. This included: financial literacy, resume writing, mock interviews, applying for jobs, obtaining certifications, dress for success, communication and interpersonal skills and navigating through college. Participants left with a strong sense of self, increased soft and technical skills, knowledge on how to manage personal finances, and resources to support college and career advancement. JPMorgan Chases The Fellowship Initiative, which supports Black and Latino young mens academic success in a 3 year cohort model, is another program under the Special Projects Program Area. In FY 22, SJLI successfully completed year 2 with the current cohort of 38 students. This included Saturday Academy 3 Saturdays a month where students receive tutoring, leadership development and mentoring. In April 2022, the TFI team conducted the Southern CA college tour, taking the students to Cal State University and UC University campuses.

Creating Thriving Communities: SJLI works to transform neighborhood conditions by improving access to affordable, healthy food and empowering residents with knowledge to create the changes that they want to see in their communities. SJLI grows and distributes high-quality produce in areas that lack access to affordable, healthy food. SJLI introduced and continues to manage the first farmers market in the city of Inglewood. SJLI teaches residents the importance of nutrition, education, and physical activity. SJLI also distributes free produce to community members with its food for Thought produce pick distribution.