North Star: Self Directed Learning for Teens, 135 Russell St, Hadley, MA 01035, US

The Hampshire Educational Collaborative, founded in 1974 and located in Northampton, Mass., is a nonprofit, multi-service agency that offers a range of programs and services to provide learning for the community's at-risk youth. The organization provides learning by educating and supporting students, teachers and administrators through programs in early childhood, after school, special education and adult education. It also provides professional development for educators. The organization is governed by school committee representatives from its local member school districts. It also has classrooms for children with cognitive disabilities in public schools. Additionally, it has created small alternative high schools for students with behavioral and emotional challenges. The Hampshire Educational Collaborative also oversees a number of regional programs, such as family network centers, community partnerships for children, and strategic planning for families and youth.