The Struggle is
La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America - An Award Winning Feature Length Documentary
Getting Schooled in America is an award-winning film that follows five at-risk teens fighting their societal obstacles and a broken education system to graduate high school and rise above their fate.
Getting Schooled in America is an award-winning film that follows five at-risk teens fighting their societal obstacles and a broken education system to graduate high school and rise above their fate. Filmed in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, the people and places mirror a multitude of communities throughout our country that are stricken with poverty, crime, dismal resources and inadequate education opportunities. All which are holding our youth hostage in this vicious cycle.
A bright light shines on the students when they each find a school that offers a personalized learning model versus the one-size-fits-all education system that proved its shortcomings during the pandemic. This is their ticket out – an equalizer in this socio-economically disadvantaged environment. The students begin to thrive and find purpose in a school that tailors the curriculum and wraparound services to their specific needs.
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A bright light shines on the students when they each find a school that offers a personalized learning model versus the one-size-fits-all education system that proved its shortcomings during the pandemic. This is their ticket out – an equalizer in this socio-economically disadvantaged environment. The students begin to thrive and find purpose in a school that tailors the curriculum and wraparound services to their specific needs.
Read more Get Involved
All for Juan
Everyone in his life knew that Juan Carlos Guillen was going to be someone. With his shining spirit and capacity to lead, it was surely inevitable that Juan would, one day, escape the dangers that he, and every citizen, is exposed to in Pacoima, California. With a crime occurring every 1 hour and 47 minutes and your chance of being a victim of crime in Pacoima as high as 1 in 16, the odds were stacked against him.
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The Pacoima Project
Students from low-income areas like Pacoima, are faced with relentless dangers unimaginable to the average American student. Homeless encampments, drug usage, waste and debris, and gang violence are among the risks and threats that these kids must navigate every day simply trying to get to school. And while low-income students certainly face a number of horrific barriers that play a contributing role to low academic achievement, there are studies that have proven that educational interventions work at raising both academic and non-academic outcomes for these kids.
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Celebrating the Impact of Creative Deviants in Purpose-Driven Content
Introduction: Creative Deviants has significantly impacted the realm of purpose-driven content. Led by Rand Courtney, the producer of "La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America," Creative Deviants focuses on...
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La Lucha: Highlighted by the LA Times, A Testament to the Power of Charter Schools
Introduction: impact of charter schools We're excited to share a significant moment for "La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America." The LA Times has celebrated our impact and highlighted the...
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A Blueprint for Educational Equity in America: Bridging the Gap for Every Student
Introduction In our pursuit of greatness, education is foundational. Yet, the disparities evident across various zip codes highlight a critical truth: the educational journey is far from equal...
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