LVenture founders Mark Lang and Ralph Fiore spent some time with about 10 teenagers last week at the St. Luke’s Neighborhood Center in Allentown. As might be expected, we soon learned they are not every enthusiastic about school. But not one of them suggested he or she did not want to learn. In fact, as we started to talk about what interests them, several seemed excited about the opportunity to learn more about a particular topic. If we allow students to weigh in on what is studied, they will take charge and drive the learning.
One young lady asked about dress codes and uniforms at LVenture. We asked them what they thought. Interestingly, they were very hard on what they would not allow (adults would definitely approve) while giving flexibility to dress comfortably and casually. This shows that teenagers can talk intelligently about issues that affect them, and they will demonstrate a high level of responsibility when given the opportunity. We look forward to how the students at LVenture will help shape an environment they support and that drives learning.