Student Commentary
The City Search experience re-introduces CRF interns to Downtown Los Angeles and helps them learn about the variety of resources available to the community. During City Search I, interns spend a day discovering their city; working in groups, navigating their way to different cultural sites and visiting organizations to learn more about a specific community issue. During City Search II, interns visit their local elected official's office and take a tour of L.A. City Hall. read more >> Living in today’s society means dealing with decisions made by colossal corporations. They split, merge, and form fast enough to make your head spin. Most of the time these actions seem only remotely connected to our daily lives. But what happens when these big companies make changes that will have a huge impact on your community? High school student Elston He takes on the issue of the possible sale of Magic Mountain Amusement Park and why he thinks it should stay open.
Let us know what you think. read more >> Elston He explains why corn-based Ethanol may not be the answer to our nation's fuel crisis. read more >> CRF interns analyze issues that arise from living and working in a multicultural society. Interns learn about past issues of equality and liberty through landmark Supreme Court cases. Interns also act out scenarios of hypothetical situations that examine civil rights laws. Reflection Questions:
1. What are some experiences you have had with other cultures? Have they been positive or negative?
2. How does multiculturalism make Los Angeles as a place to live? read more >> The time has come for students to come out of their dark shells and shine like the sun. read more >> Before CRF interns begin their first day at their job site, they get tips and advice from CRF intern Alumni and job site supervisors in a preparatory workshop. Program Alumni and supervisors address the CRF Internsâ?? questions and concerns ranging from what to wear and how to interact with co-workers. This session gives CRF interns an idea of what to expect in an office environment. Reflection Questions:
1. Discuss your first week at work. What surprised you?
2. Your boss gives you a list of things to do just before she steps out of the office. You realize after she leaves that you are unsure of what to do on some of those tasks. What do you do? read more >> Jessica Poitevien's advice to other students regarding the test that students throughout the country must take for college admissions. read more >> When a student hoisted a banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" in the air, his actions triggered a Supreme Court ruling that may affect the rights of students to express themselves in public schools. Nicola Kronstadt explores the case and its implications for students and teachers alike. read more >> CRF Interns from many different schools arrive on the first day a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect. To put students at ease- naturally we blindfold them! It may sound mean but, it's all part of a team-building exercise. Students are paired up and participate in trust walks. The blindfolded student relies on their partner to guide them. Students learn each other's names and split into teams and to figure out how to get every member across the floor, which we pretend was deadly acid, using only a few sheets of paper as rafts. Students have lots of opportunities to chat and get to know each other. Reflection Questions: 1. What qualities do you and the other students possess that you think make you a good candidate for the Youth Internship program?
2. What do you feel you can contribute to the group? read more >> | CRF interns spend two days learning about different colleges, college life, financial aid and the admissions process. They participate in a SAT Preparation Workshop with Ivy West, examine course requirements for college admission, receive personal statement tips from College Circuit, and fill out questionnaires to help match their interests and needs to specific colleges. The final day culminates with a tour of the University of Southern California. Reflection Questions:
1. Do tests like the SAT and ACT measure intelligence? What is their purpose?
2. While it is important to do well on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, what other factors do colleges consider besides test scores and grades? read more >> The City of LA Commission for Children, Youth, and Their Families and Los Angeles Youth Council in partnership with Constitutional Rights Foundation, convened and facilitated a series of youth forums around Los Angeles in Spring/Summer 2006 to educate young students about public policies and to get their input. CRF trained a group of high school students to help facilitate the youth forums.
Elston He, a youth forum facilitator and CRF Forum Journalist, gives us an insider's account of the South L.A. youth forum held on June 10, 2006. read more >> Elston He writes about the city of Santa Clarita's first ever Teen Speak Out. read more >> Jessica Poitevien reflects on what really matters when deciding who will be president of the United States in 2008. read more >> CRF Interns learn how to give an effective presentation by doing just the opposite; they do their best to slouch, mumble, and fidget while giving the audience bogus statistics. They identify the three most important elements of an effective presentation: body language, voice and expression, and content. Using that knowledge, students prepare presentations on their City Search findings. Reflection Questions:
1. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a presenter?
2. What was the most challenging part of preparing a presentation? Do you have any advice for other students? read more >> In May 2006, ten students from nine Los Angeles area high schools visited Washington, D.C., to attend a lively Q & A discussion session with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, and former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The event, (students from Pennsylvania also participated) was sponsored and organized by the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands and the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Below, read what the students learned from their Supreme Court experience. read more >> Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has ambitious plans to reform Los Angeles' schools. Will they work? read more >> Harkirat Hansra, a high school junior, discusses his views on youth and politics. read more >> Participants from CRF's Youth Internship Program reflect on their experience. read more >> |
Constitutional Rights Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people learn about their constitutional heritage,give voice to their ideas and opinions, and make well-informed decisions as citizens in a democracy.