Student Life » Extracurricular Programs

Extracurricular Programs

Work-Based Learning

Through the WIOA and IYIP programs we have 30+ paid work-based learning opportunities for students at local businesses like Pete's Fresh Market, with community partners like Chicago Animal Care and Control, and through internships at the Chicago History Museum.  Through these opportunities, students can earn work-study credit, counting towards their 3.5 Career Education credits required to graduate.  If needed, students can apply for a flexible schedule in which they leave school early to work or start school later in the day if they are working the night shift.
 
The Critical Health Network grant also employs 7 youth to support 10 families each with food and financial assistance.
 
We also have One Summer Chicago, offering paid internships in the summer in addition to YANA (You are not Alone), and Summer IYIP through the Center for New Horizons.
 

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment and Design Club

Students interested in digital media can take Edwin's Media Communications course right here at IJLA, earning college credit while also earning credits towards high school graduation.  Through this class you will also learn web development and graphic design to support local business! Dual enrollment opportunities are also available, with Arturo Velasquez Institute only steps away from our campus.

Safe Humane Program

In partnership with Chicago Animal Care and Control and the Safe Humane program, Rudy students help socialize shelter dogs to be ready for adoption to find their forever homes.  Students and animals are student/teachers and teachers/students as they process trauma and bond through their shared connections, empathy, and communication.

Entre Mujeres (Women's Circle) and Men's Group

Youth participating in Entre Mujeres or Men's Group have the unique opportunity to use talking circles as a way of connecting, working through challenges, and discussing issues that are important to their lives.  Together, the youth break bread, talk about relevant issues, and spend recreational time building community.

Latinx History Now! Club

When Rudy students did not see their Latinx identity represented in the exhibitions while on a field trip to the Chicago History Museum, they made posters, launched a social media campaign, and wrote letters; however, before the letters were even in the mail, CHM staff reached out to Rudy and welcomed the students to have a restorative circle. Out of this initial circle with students and Museum staff, bloomed a beautiful initiative to develop a temporary, special exhibition about Latinx Chicago at CHM, the formation of a Latinx advisory board for this project made up of local leaders, artists, professors, and student-activists, and an internship program with Rudy youth and CHM staff to highlight the absences in the existing signature exhibition and create teachable moments in preparation for a new signature (permanent) exhibition that will appropriately include Latinx Chicago.

English/Spanish Language Club

The English/Spanish Language Club provides the opportunity for our native Spanish-speaking newcomers to practice their English language communication with our native English-speaking students, and at the same time, allows our students most comfortable with English to practice their Spanish language ability.

Parenting Group

In this program, our young mothers and fathers swap everything from advice to baby clothes! While some sessions involve the children for story time or games, other sessions are just for moms and dads who need some time to connect without their children and pamper themselves.

Peer Mediation

Alternatives leads a cohort of 10 youth to be peer leaders in restorative justice practices including talking circles, conflict resolution circles, and restorative conversations, helping youth building leadership skills at home, in their families, and throughout the community.

After School Matters

Another paid extracurricular opportunity is through the After School Matters program.  Currently on our campus we have "Your Streets, Your Story" digital media program and "Peace Makers" restorative justice leadership program.
 

Tutoring and Credit Recovery

Tutoring is available to all students who need support with their coursework.  Students have the option of completing credit recovery during Transition Week between each quarter.  Summer school is also available for students who need to recover credits or who want to graduate sooner and take on extra classes.