GREEN STAR MOVEMENT CONNECTS YOUTH TO THEIR SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS, AND PEOPLE TO EACH OTHER, WHILE REVITALIZING UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES.

WE DO THIS BY INSPIRING STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO DESIGN AND REALIZE PUBLIC ART. 

While our program allows participants the wonderful opportunities to be creative, to explore new artistic techniques, and to develop a passion and language for the arts, all while creating an enduring piece of art, it is also an incredible way for them to connect to each other and their school and neighborhood communities.

Research indicates that when youth feel connected to schools, peers, and communities, their grades improve, they stay in school longer, they are more likely to contribute to their communities, and they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking, substance abuse, early sexual behavior, or gang involvement.

"School connectedness has been shown to protect youth from engaging in risky behaviors. Across all racial, ethnic and income groups, evidence is mounting that students who feel more connected to school are less likely to exhibit disruptive and violent behavior, carry or use a weapon, experiment with illegal substances, or smoke cigarettes."
- School Connectedness: Improving Students' Lives

 

 

 

 

 

Chicago Schools

Audubon Elementary
Barton Elementary
Chicago Academy
Christ the King High    School
Chopin Elementary
Dulles Elementary
Dvorak Elementary
Farragut Career Academy
Fernwood Elementary
Gunsaulus Elementary
Hedges Elementary
Helen C. Pierce School of    International Studies
Hearst Elementary/  Academy for Global  Citizenship
Inter-American Elementary
Joplin Elementary
LaSalle II Elementary
Mann Elementary
Melody Elementary
Morgan Park Academy
Ortiz Elementary
Park School
Penn Elementary
Perspectives Charter       School
Prescott Elementary
Stagg Elementary
Stevenson Elementary
Skinner West
Suder Montessori
Swift Elementary
Talcott Fine Arts Academy

TESTIMONIALS

I joined this program because I wanted to express my love for art. I may not be a good artist, but I love to be surrounded by art. I also joined this program because I don't do anything art related in school, so I was thinking I could use this opportunity. I was not very sure if I was going to meet people who would want to work with an untalented art boy. I found out it was the opposite. The instructors were very nice to us. They worked with us all the time, corrected us, motivated us to finish our work. It was in this program that I met my friends, my true friends. I would like to thank Green Star for bringing happiness to my life.

— Mark Korankye, teen participant

I really loved waking up every day and going to work at a place where I could collaborate with other people and be social while still being productive...I love the team-oriented and collaborative nature of the project, and the process of taking little pieces of tile and bringing them together to form a masterpiece. It feels so wonderful to be able to leave behind a lasting piece of art that breathes so much life into the space around it.

— Antonia, Green Star Movement intern

The teaching artists of Green Star went the extra mile to meet with key parents, teachers, and students, listen to everyone's ideas, and draft as many sketches as we needed to arrive on a final design that truly honors the story of our school.

— Administrator, Scott Joplin Elementary