The Re-Enrolled Student Project (RSP) is a collaboration between the Alternative Schools Network (ASN) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). RSP partners with 20 community-based alternative high schools in Chicago, working to inspire and empower young people to positively impact their communities and the world.

Through RSP, these schools help develop leaders from within by engaging students in real-world social issues. RSP equips students with the skills, tools, and encouragement needed to improve their communities, offering expanded educational opportunities to at-risk youth, and helping them become active, contributing members of society.

RSP’s success is due to the dedication of member schools in reaching out to out-of-school teens, re-enrolling them, and providing a safe, structured learning environment. Students face various barriers such as violence, economic hardship, childcare issues, discrimination, and numerous other barriers to learning. RSP works to remove these obstacles by developing tailored programs that focus on academic growth and student engagement.

Through group projects, experiential activities, and focused skill-building, RSP promotes communication, problem-solving, and leadership, preparing students for lifelong success.

Under the care and guidance of mentors, RSP prepares students for college, vocational training, and strong career opportunities. The program’s initiatives help foster self-motivation, critical thinking, and personal achievement. Additionally, RSP encourages summer programs to maintain student engagement so that continuing students stay enrolled through graduation.

The Re-Enrolled Student Project (RSP) helps schools enhance their academic programs and student services in several key areas:

I. Keeping Students Encouraged

Mentors and Student Advocates: Provide one-on-one support, helping with attendance, social issues, time management, and goal setting.
Behavioral Specialists: Offer counseling and crisis intervention for concerns like teen parenting, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system.
Substance Abuse Education: Educate students on recognizing and managing behaviors linked to alcohol and drug use, teaching healthy coping strategies.
Social and Emotional Learning: Build communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, while fostering self-esteem and positive social behaviors.
Health and Wellness Initiatives: Promote healthy choices through nutrition classes, culinary education, health screenings, and gym memberships.
Preparing for the Future: Help students with college and technical school preparations, including campus tours, resume building, job fairs, and financial aid workshops.

II. Keeping Students Engaged

Student Leadership Activities: Foster leadership through student councils, peer mediation, volunteerism, and community involvement.
Field Studies and Research Outings: Enhance classroom learning with hands-on experiences in areas like environmental science, architecture, and business.
Cultural Activities: Expose students to cultural and multicultural experiences, such as theater performances, museum visits, and activism events.
Technology Enhancements: Strengthen independent study and technical skills with computer labs, virtual classes, and on-site coordinators.
Teambuilding Exercises: Teach responsibility and real-world economics through group projects, like developing small businesses or addressing food deserts.

III. Keeping Students Enrolled

Tutoring Programs: Provide tutoring and peer tutoring to improve grades and academic techniques.
Professional Development for Teachers: Support teachers in adopting new strategies, improving lesson plans, and addressing individual student needs.
Expansion of Early Assessments: Ensure students are placed in appropriate classes and supplemental activities for success.
Outreach Coordinators: Engage with students and families through home visits and regular communication to provide support and celebrate successes.
Additional Teachers: Enhance student-teacher ratios with specialists in areas like Reading and Math.
Emergency Funds: Provide emergency support for transportation, clothing, and food to keep students in school.
Graduations: Celebrate students’ achievements with ceremonies, awards, and senior events.