Mission, Vision, and Core Values

MISSION

Empowering youth and adults to reimagine and transform education together

VISION

At UP for Learning, reimagining education means a future where:

1. Education equity is a basic human right
2. Every youth partner:

is in beloved community with their adult partner
feels a sense of purpose and agency
seizes the opportunity to shape their own lives and impact the lives of others
innovates, collaborates and leads, becoming an agent of change now and for future generations

3. Every adult partner:

respects the value, wisdom and capacity inherent in youth
understands & conveys the importance of purpose, guides youth toward activating theirs
facilitates authentic opportunities for youth to find their purpose and impact the lives of others
is deeply committed to equity

4. Learning, teaching, and school leadership are founded on equitable cross-generational relationships characterized by shared power, voice, and responsibility
5. Collective decision-making is fully embodied by youth and adults and is the key to a sustainable future

CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS

Our fundamental value is to

SEEK EQUITY AND JUSTICE

We believe that the human need to be valued and heard is universal. All young people have the right to a meaningful and engaging education. In order to pursue this aim, we are guided by these principles and values…

SHARE RESPONSIBILITY

Learning and change must be transparent and must be driven by adults and youth as equal partners.

START FROM STRENGTHS

Students and educators have the wisdom and capacity to orchestrate change. Beginning with what’s working provides hope and energizes a community to embrace change.

CREATE OPEN DIALOGUE

Deep conversation is central to changing school cultures. When systems are designed for youth to be engaged as full partners with equal value, the work of school transformation can occur by creating a shared vision for education and the learning process.

EMPLOY DATA TO DRIVE CHANGE

Research is a vitally important way to build credibility between youth and adults. When a community works together to make meaning of their own data, they are strengthened by what they learn and emboldened to take action.