Community Benefits

Since then, the Algoma School District has led with its innovative efforts to drive change through its community coalition, Live Algoma, where youth change agents connect with community members across sectors and populations to develop a shared vision of health and well-being, ensuring sustainable, equitable outcomes for all. The efforts and leadership of our youth has driven big change in our community and has been recognized all over the nation and the world as an innovative model for youth leadership, engagement, and civic leadership.

Although youth in Algoma have been successful thus far, stakeholders across the community, region, and country encouraged us to make a concerted effort to develop a cohesive, committed pathway forward for youth. The COVID pandemic shed more light on the systemic barriers and obstacles confronting our youth and we wanted to take action on what we had learned. As a result, the idea of Algoma Venture Academy was born. Algoma Venture Academy (AVA) provides a central point where all of these efforts can be consolidated into one, cohesive pathway. AVA provides a model for youth engagement in the community and further students' passions and interests while receiving and obtaining academic credit.

AVA is built on the idea that exposure inspires engagement. Charter schools have more flexibility to explore non-traditional models of learning. Algoma Venture Academy uses a community-based learning (CBL) model which incorporates meaningful community engagement with course content so that students get real-world experience while earning academic credit. With a drive for exposure to new experiences and the flexibility to make it happen, Algoma Venture Academy prides itself on getting students involved in community-based projects that benefit the Algoma area.

• "Crossroads at Big Creek is thrilled to partner with Venture Academy. It's a pleasure to share our nature preserve and our mission with students who are so engaged and enthusiastic and curious. It's definitely a "feel-good" day when Venture Academy visits!'

Laurel Hauser - Executive Director of Crossroads at Big Creek.

• "The Venture Academy's visit to The Ridges was not only a great way to get students outside, but also to teach them about a unique and fragile ecosystem. Students were able to help Ridges staff and volunteers with our Range Light Restoration Project, clearing necessary areas for native flowers to grow. In the short time the students were there, they were able to accomplish quite a bit! With their help, we were able to clear the upper half of the Range Light Corridor."

- Algoma Venture Academy Community Partners

• "Ridges staff were excited to teach Venture Academy students about ecology, restoration, and possible careers in the environmental field. This field trip aligned with both organizations' missions and provided a meaningful fun experience for everyone. We're excited to have Venture Academy The Ridges again soon!"

- Algoma Venture Academy Community Partners

• "Students at AVA are committed to learning outside of the classroom. They have no problem picking up a shovel, pushing a wheelbarrow, or trekking through an outdoor field trip in January…just as long as they can learn from it. They ask great questions, are respectful, work together, and show interest in your organization."

- Algoma Venture Academy Community Partners

• "Our experience in partnering with the Algoma Venture Academy was both positive and rewarding. The students took initiative in developing an inclusive event that welcomed individuals from across multiple communities. Through collaboration and creativity, they were able to provide a unique and meaningful event for all in attendance. We gladly welcome the opportunity to further assist the Algoma Venture Academy in the development of future community events!"

- Algoma Venture Academy Community Partners