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Listening to the Voices of Young People

Headshot: Baltimore community school student Khalil Bridges

Listening to the Voices of Young People

IEL President Martin J. Blank reflects on the moving words of Khalil Bridges. The Renaissance Academy High School student from West Baltimore spoke at the 2016 National Forum for Community Schools. Khalil’s is the story of too many young people of color in disinvested communities across the nation. Blank reminds us that our society often focuses on helping a single individual, but overlooks broader support even though “every child deserves every chance”. That’s why Khalil’s school, educators, and community partners are working to tie the assets and resources of their community to their school. READ MORE…