SALT High School Service Adventure Leadership Team High School (SALT) Location: 924 19th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN  55404 School Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students: Grades 10 to 12, ages 15 to 21 Director: Aaron Carper Independent Study Coordinator: Greg Herder Email: gherder@voamn.org Main Phone: 612-375-0700 Fax: 612-375-0800 General Email: salt@voamn.org
Description:   Volunteers of America-Minnesota Service Adventure Leadership Team High School (SALT) is a Minneapolis Public Schools specialty school, serving grades 10 through 12, which features an experiential and environmental themed program that focuses on leadership development and community-based service learning.   SALT students are typically those who may benefit from hands-on, experiential learning, have a passion for outdoor adventure and environmental activities, and/or may have been unsuccessful in traditional classroom settings.
						Mission: The mission of SALT is to foster an intellectually, socially and physically challenging program in a learning environment designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge base and progressive attitudes necessary to make ongoing contributions in a changing world. Vision: All students at SALT are working to build their capacity as future leaders in their communities through practical application of academic coursework, collaborative service-learning projects, meaningful community engagement activities, and character building programs designed to instill a sense of adventure and courage necessary to make contributions toward a more sustainable world.
Curriculum/Courses: Core courses include Math, English, Social Studies and Science Electives include Environmental Studies, Visual Arts, Technology and Holistic Health Education Field studies, labs, and experiential/service learning trips are incorporated into all classes Seniors complete a service-learning project, scientifically-based environmental or community action/research project of their own design Independent Study Program offers flexible scheduling and one-on-one support for qualifying students Program Strengths: Leadership skills are taught through involvement, planning and implementation of adventure and service expeditions while adhering to “Leave No Trace” principles. Environmental field studies take place at locations including the Superior Hiking Trail, Wolf Ridge, The International Wolf Center, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, YMCA Leadership Camps, and many others including out-of-state locations. High adventure activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, dog sledding, running club, ultimate Frisbee and urban orienteering adventures. Technology resources help bridge the “digital divide” and all classes feature state-of-the-art computers and instruction. Integrated visual arts program includes intense exposure to photography and videography in community-based projects. Parent/family involvement, participation, tutoring and mentoring are encourages. Strong community involvement including volunteer tutors and mentors from 3M, University of St. Catherine, Augsburg College and Concordia University. Post-secondary planning is built into students’ weekly advisory and is reinforced by college partnerships. Restorative justice techniques are implemented to minimize suspensions and instill the value of community within the student body while emphasizing the value of relationships and responsibility to one another. Special Features: Daily advisory periods offer students support on attendance and progress toward individual goals Special Education and ELL services are available Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEO) and other opportunities challenge gifted and talented students In-house social worker for one-on-one student support Volunteers of America-Minnesota services including in-house mental health services, family support and therapeutic support to foster homes Collaborative work with other organizations involved with student families