All Stars Project INC.

The All Stars Project of Chicago has introduced its performance-based approach of youth development to Fenger High School, the Far South Side public school that recently entered the national spotlight for a spurt of violence.

The All Stars, however, has gotten a warm reception at Fenger-from students and staff alike. ASP Chicago Director David Cherry visited the school in early October to establish fruitful relationships with educators, including Fenger's resource coordinator, Zenobia Williams.

Two subsequent visits to Fenger's cafeteria yielded nearly 70 requests from students to participate in the Nov. 21 All Stars Talent Show at Englewood High School. A dozen students also asked to apply for the All Stars' Development School for Youth.

On Sept. 24, 2009, 16-year-old Fenger honor student Derrion Albert was beaten to death outside a community center mere blocks from the school. The attack, which was caught on a cell phone camera and broadcast worldwide, has gained the attention of the White House and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Fenger High School serves about 1,200 students and was identified by the Chicago Public Schools system as a Turnaround School beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year. That initiative strives to improve attendance, behavior, and grades.

The All Stars Project of Chicago has held 10 talent shows in inner-city neighborhoods since March 2007. The most recent talent show, at Gage Park High School, hosted 20 acts and dozens of performers.

ASP Chicago held its inaugural class of the Development School for Youth in March 2009. The 10-week professional training program showed 21 students from six high schools what it's like at major downtown companies. The students then worked at paid summer internships with the companies. The next class of the Development School for Youth is set to begin in March 2010.