Who We Are

Our Mission and Vision

At the Social Justice Learning Institute, we are dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of youth of color by empowering them to take hold of their educational future using research as a tool for community and social change.

We train students to conduct research on problems in their community using a rigorous yearlong curriculum while providing basic academic support (i.e., tutoring, homework assistance, academic counseling, etc.) and college preparatory education.  Our youth learn what it takes to achieve academically in order to go to college and become civically engaged, solution oriented and critical participants in the democratic experience.

We envision an educational system where youth become engaged citizens who discover their best talents and apply them to help improve the world they live within.

SJLI Core Values

1. We privilege the ideas, voice and leadership of our youth and community members.
2. Everyone must be afforeded equal opportunity in order to achieve equitable treatment.
3. We do all things in love.
4. No one is hopless.

Our Goals

Our goals are simple. We work to:

• build capacity for individuals and communities to advocate for their needs;
• train and build leaders;
• educate and empower youth and community members to identify and rectify injustice; and to
• deliver effective programs, resources and support that help advance our mission.

To meet these goals, we work with youth, residents, local schools, districts and city officials to increase educational opportunities through innovative programs and sustainable practices. We also develop and manage programs that advance academic, food and environmental justice.