Learning Works is a laboratory for strategies that work to re-engage disenfranchised youth back into education. We believe our lessons can be transferred to other public systems, including traditional schools. We chase dropouts, re-engage them in education, and serve their needs to graduation. Our Principles: Staff and students at our school practice a set of principles that are the cornerstone and culture of our school. All adults and students are to practice and model these principles: fresh start, forgiveness & unconditional love, safe haven, reality & potential, desire to give back and be heard, honesty, joy & fun, and irrational commitment to students. Chasers: Our job position of “Chaser” has received national attention as a unique model to reengage youth in their education. Chasers literally chase students back to school to complete coursework and to graduate. Chasers are current college students who have come from similar conditions as the students we serve, including previous dropouts, juvenile delinquents and teen parents. They know the streets and work through youth in the neighborhoods with one goal in mind: graduation. They transport students to needed services, such as probation appointments, health services and whatever else they need to earn their diploma.
