Andy Froelich

The Project

Andy (he/him/his) will expand a community-based education advocacy program into the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, providing special education and school discipline legal services to low-income families in the community.

Disparities in educational resources and the school-to-prison pipeline have long created barriers to a meaningful education for many children in Rogers Park, Chicago. But in the midst of a pandemic and with an eye toward its aftermath, these barriers have and will continue to become more widespread. And with only two legal aid agencies providing direct, comprehensive educational advocacy in Chicago, there is a significant need for community-based educational advocacy in Rogers Park. It is crucial that Rogers Park youth are returning to school, receiving the educational services they need to be successful in school, and learning in a restorative and trauma-informed environment.

Through advocating for students in school discipline hearings, Andy learned the transformative power of educational advocacy, and the tools a lawyer can use to keep kids in school and to ensure they are receiving the support and services they need to be successful and connected to their school community.

Fellowship Plans 

During his Fellowship, Andy will represent Rogers Park youth with special education needs as well as students confronting school exclusion. To expand the reach of his project, Andy will empower parents and caregivers to advocate for their children in school through Know Your Rights trainings. And through partnerships with community organizations, Andy will work collaboratively with the community to advocate for Rogers Park schools to transition from punitive disciplinary approaches towards more inclusive and restorative practices.

Media