PPHS Meeting Students Where They Are and Claiming Academic Achievement

Aleanya Moore is a current Class V MDLF Fellow, Non-profit Founder of Ladies Under Construction Mentoring Program for Girls and youth advocate serving over 13 years in the community. Passionate for her community and  focusing on youth empowerment, mental health awareness and addiction supports, she was honored to share her experience with the Purdue Polytechnic High School (PPHS) Fellowship Case Study Class and recent visit. 

During the time spent at PPHS it was very refreshing to see such a great team of adults who have a focus on the excellence of all students no matter their background. As the panel of staff shared how they were able to overcome obstacles in the beginning of starting the charter was inspiring as someone who is an educator. 

Although I have heard about PPHS, it was a pleasure hearing from the team and most of all witnessing the greatness of the students they serve. Allowing the students to lead the school and share what PPHS meant to them from a student's perspective showed the work the school is doing for the students they are serving. My passion is working with youth and assuring they are able to reach their highest capacity is important. This school has shown they are graduating high achievers with them also having a path to Purdue University. 

“If we were to wait on the K-12 system to produce the nmbers of first-generation, lower-income, and minority students that we are seeking to educate and prepare for better lives, we would wait forever. Too many young Hoosiers miss out on college either because of its cost or simply a disbelief that they can succeed there. Our Purdue-sponsored high schools are our attempt to open a new pathway to Purdue.” - Purdue University President Mitch Daniels 2015

This quote, taken specifically from the PPHS Case Study, allows us to understand part of the vision to establish PPHS. Focusing on building a generation of young people who come from challenging backgrounds is risky and anyone who pursues it has to have an open heart and passion. 

Witnessing PPHS has been able to give me continued passion, hope and admiration for schools who take the time to meet kids where they are at while raising the educational bar. We often times as adults have an issue or challenge with reaching the underprivileged youth because of their social and emotional needs. After speaking with the staff who lead PPHS their focus is the whole student and assuring they are able to increase their academic scores, learn how to gain experience in technology trades and opportunities that will allow them to gain a professional career in the STEM field and more. 

Being an MDLF Fellow so far has been filled with great networking, has been exciting learning from other fellows and hearing from a diverse set of perspectives. Each session we have allows me to grow as a leader and adds value to me as one who has an impact on the youth and communities I serve. Through being a fellow I hope to continue to learn new ways of approaching situations as a leader, offering my viewpoint to value conversations and elevate my impact to reach more youth through mentorship.