About the Project

Project-based learning (PBL) fosters essential skills such as collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving. There are three classes in the K-12 Piner-Olivet Home Study program enrolled at Northwest Prep Charter, a PBL school. It is difficult to implement PBL in an Independent Study environment since assignments are completed outside of the classroom. Therefore, this grant will help solve that dilemma. Income inequality is an ideal topic for our students because this issue currently resonates within our own community. Our district POUSD was impacted by the Tubbs Fire in 2017, which reduced housing and places of employment in Sonoma County. This grant will fund differentiated resources to meet our students’ diverse needs. It will allow them to conduct research projects on the effects of income inequality during major historical events. While students collaborate virtually with peers, they will investigate the specific groups that experienced income inequality in the past. In addition, they will explore the experiences of those affected by income inequality and determine when, where, and why this occurred. They will then look at how income inequality is affecting our county and compare and contrast the events of the past with what is occurring today. This grant will also fund a field trip for students to volunteer at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Additionally, students will listen to a virtual presentation by a guest speaker from a local non-profit organization that works to help individuals achieve economic stability. The project will culminate with students presenting their findings to community members.