Empowering students to become agents of change for racial equity is not only essential for the advancement of society but also a critical step toward creating a more just and inclusive world. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes, beliefs, and actions, and by harnessing the energy, passion, and idealism of young people, we can drive meaningful progress in dismantling systemic racism and promoting social justice.
High school students take part in a series of activities to exchange diverse perspectives through intergroup dialogue, digitally map features of their school or community environment (i.e., supports and barriers to equity) and develop collaborative plans that result in conditions that improve student experiences in school. After completion of the program, they will receive a stipend and course credit towards graduation. Adults in the program are also supported with resources for their classroom or organization, learning experiences to recognize and redress inequities, and workshop options to deepen individual or institutional commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Everyone involved benefits from a community-wide vision for change, including a shared understanding of experience disparities and a joint approach to eliminating inequity.