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Most Chicago teens spend their summer vacations lounging on the beach or hanging out with friends.  Some are lucky enough to find temporary jobs and earn extra money for the school year.But few teens would consider spending their vacation inside a classroom doing research.The Chicago Freedom School isn’t like other schools.  Teen fellows from around the city learn leadership skills and community organizing strategies.  With the guidance of staff members, fellows choose an independent project on a social issue affecting their community.  This fall, they will return to their high schools and neighborhoods with new tools they can use as positive forces for change.On this episode of Community, Media and You, we’ll hear how some teens spent their summer vacations from two Chicago Freedom School fellows, Alexandra Pate and Sandra Gonzalez.  We will also hear from the school’s youth organizer, Hilda Franco.

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Local School Councils are vital to the health and effectiveness of neighborhood schools.  Made up of parents, community leaders and teachers, LSCs work towards creating equal and safe learning environments for all CPS students no matter what community they come from.Earlier this year, Chicago Public School administrators threatened to weaken - and eliminate - some LSCs.  In reaction, advocates recently gathered at a LSC Summit to draw the attention of legislators in Springfield.But with another school year underway, what does the future hold for LSCs and what issues do they face?On this Community, Media and You, we’ll hear more about the significance of the Summit and what’s in store for LSCs from Wanda Hopkins of Parents United for Responsible Education, Cecile Carroll from Blocks Together and Alejandra Ibanez from Pilsen Alliance.