POWERED BY THE JERRY J. DAWSON CIVIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN MACON COUNTY ILLINOIS
Check Out the Exciting Middle School Programs Offered by DCLI!
The Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) is a strategic, long-term initiative that encourages students in the Decatur Public Schools to pursue career options that benefit their community. DCLI activities tie civic responsibility to job opportunities in law enforcement, healthcare, local governance, social entrepreneurship and education. A focus on personal values empowers students to understand how personal decisions affect their own lives and those of others. DCLI programming incorporates paid internships and connections to prospective employers. Graduates who are substantially invested in the program are eligible to access financial support for continuing education at Richland Community College.
Below is a brief description of programming that will be offered during spring and summer of 2022. All programming is open Decatur Public School District 61 students.
Read About DCLI Middle School Programs Below
mikva challenge | project soapbox
Are You Interested in Putting Your Voice into Action?
Project Soapbox combines public speaking and development of persuasive speeches with issues that students care about. It is similar to a TedTalk. Project Soapbox works to ensure that students voices are encouraged, valued and incorporated. Participants will understand the impact of collective action.
Offered: 2022 Academic Year
Students: 7th & 8th
Tags: DCLI Leadership, Communication, TedTalks
PERSONAL FINANCE | DAVE RAMSEY
Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance | Middle School Edition
Foundations in Personal Finance: Middle School Education is designed to be a fun way to learn how to win with money. Along with the entertaining video lessons, the concepts taught in course will help students understand how to take control of money now and avoid huge money mistakes later. This course teaches middle schools students how to:
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Write and follow a budget.
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Save money and pay cash for purchases.
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Avoid the dangers of debt.
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Explore a variety of career options.
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Differentiate between saving and investing.
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Identify types of insurance.
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Explore global economics.
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Be aware of marketing and be a wise consumer.
Students will also visit financial institutions, meet with investors and bankers and begin to become savvy with not only their funds, but the money they ask for from parents and relatives.
Financial literacy is essential to a prosperous and whole life.
Offered: Spring 2022
Students: 7th & 8th
Commitment: TBA
Tags: DCLI Leadership, Financial Literacy, Personal Finance
Middle School Entrepreneurship Program
Icehouse Entrepreneurship Program
Middle School Entrepreneurship Program
The Icehouse Middle School Program builds resilience, creative problem-solving, and collaboration skills while helping young people recognize the applications for their education at an earlier age. In addition, it encourages creativity and critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and other entrepreneurial skills – skills that will enable them to succeed regardless of their chosen path.
The Icehouse Middle School course cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset in young adults. It is designed to empower learners during a developmental phase of life and enhance their curiosity. Most notably, the Ice House Middle School Program outcomes are designed to:
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Create more prepared and engaged students.
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Increase self-efficacy.
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Develop entrepreneurial attitudes, behaviors, and skills.
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Assist in meeting college- and career-readiness standards.
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Begin thinking about, start or continue to develop a business.
Offered: Spring 2022
Students: 7th & 8th
Middle School Health Professions Club
Middle School Health Professions Club
The Middle School Health Professions Club is designed to explore individual health, wellness and personal fitness. The Health Professions Club will also explore, through workshops and activities a wide variety of careers in healthcare. Students will also explore community health and topics related to the health of our community.
Offered: 2021-2022 Academic Year
Students: 7th & 8th
Commitment: TBA
Tags: DCLI Leadership, Healthcare
MALE LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Male Leadership Initiative
Mentoring for Middle School
The Male Leadership Initiative is a leadership program specifically designed for young men. The Male Leadership Initiative is a mentorship program that will focus on supporting and encouraging the continued development middle school young men. The Male Leadership Initiative is built on establishing skills in academics, language and communication, commitment to community and service, appearance and attire, and health and wellness.
Offered: 2021-2022 Academic Year
Students: 7th & 8th
Commitment: TBA
Tags: DCLI Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Ice House