I AM is a non-profit organization that has developed a social and emotional learning program with the purpose of…

• Supporting the needs of children through social and emotional learning
  
  

• Empowering children to know their value and discover their purpose
  
  

• Strengthening their voice
  
  

• Promoting personal growth and character development

I AM brings transformational change into the classroom through instructor-led programming that guides the discovery and development of every child’s heart. The goal of the I AM Program is to empower and equip children in our community schools with the tools and strategies needed to increase each child’s capacity to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

As a result, the following will occur:  

• improve academic performance

• support learning environment

• reduce school suspension

• foster positive communication

• promote conflict resolution

• encourage personal accountability

• nurture future aspirations
  
  

Program topics include, but not limited to:

making wise choices (self-discipline); establishing a strong sense of self-worth; increasing personal “voice” (self-confidence); learning leadership skills; practicing self-control; improving communication; developing problem-solving skills; and character topics, such as; integrity, respect, good citizenship, and perseverance. 

Service-Learning

Each semester, students implement a school-wide service-learning project.

These projects help students see beyond themselves and focus on how they can help the larger community.

Projects include filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child in the Fall and collecting food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank in the Spring.   

• CREATE

  a positive environment where children experience emotional, developmental, and academic growth.
  

• INCREASE 

  children's capacity to succeed academically and behaviorally.
  

• HELP

  children understand the importance of their voice and the impact it has in their everyday life.
  

• PROMOTE

  an atmosphere where self-confidence, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-discipline are encouraged.
  

• NURTURE

  children to facilitate freedom to fail and succeed as they pursue their natural leadership skills rather than being influenced by negative peer values.
  

• CHALLENGE

  each child to realize his/her value and the importance of their role in this generation and the next.
  

• ENCOURAGE

  children to self-determine the purpose and destiny for their own lives.
  

• INCREASE

  personal growth within the culture of the classroom, the school, and the family.