Jason Pica currently part of the Masters of Social Work program at Loyola University and Kevin Miller MA in Sociology also from Loyola University Chicago and Director of Empowering Counseling Program’s After School Matters, presented at the National Association of Social Workers 2018 Conference.

The conference took place in Washington DC, Jason and Kevin shared the work of “Law Under Curious Minds”, a participatory youth program in Englewood, Chicago. Law Under Curious Minds After School Matters (ASM), is a participatory, action- orientated program at Harper High School in the Englewood neighborhood. The ASM taught the youth their human, legal, and civil rights where the teens will then create instruction materials, with the motto by Black youth for Black youth, based on the Rights Curriculum. This is in order to spread knowledge of key issues to their peers in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout the South Side of Chicago.

The exposure given by NASW is important as they continue to grow in their careers. This national conference is the ultimate gathering of thousands of social workers and like-minded professionals. Attendees learn from internationally renowned keynote speakers, participate in interactive workshops, opportunities for professional development, and continuing education credits. Jason and Kevin are a great example of meaningful work in the field and a source of inspiration for other Loyola students and alumni.