Because community is difficult to find in American society, I believe

it is important for schools to create a sense of community for their

students. When people are part of a community, they feel loved and

supported and have a sense of belonging, even if they struggle with

individual social interactions or personal issues. The sense of belonging

is central to the human experience.

 

When schools foster a sense of community, students learn and feel a sense of belonging, connection and safety at school. Benefits of community include a shared sense of purpose and increased resiliency and desire to be at school.  

 

Breakthrough has a very strong sense of community that comes from

-shared sense of purpose

-everyone working very hard and being exhausted because of it

-silly songs, skits, awards

 

Learn 2 Teach has a strong sense of community that comes from

-working together to overcome challenges they face in the programming (learning and using a new programming language) 

-taking time to get to know the new youth teachers

-putting a lot of time and effort into their work 

-near peer mentoring of college mentors 

-people choosing to participate in the program 

 

 

In