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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ATNRE ALLEYNE, (203) 628-5401
EMAIL: ATNRE.ALLEYNE@DELAWARECAN.ORG
Local high schoolers kick off campaign,
release report on teacher diversity
On June 15, Youth Advocacy Council will share policy
recommendations from training
Wilmington, Del. – Nine high school students will share their takeaways next week from a year-long advocacy training program—including policy recommendations for state lawmakers to address the staggering lack of teacher diversity in Delaware classrooms.
The students are members of the Delaware Youth Advocacy Council, and they invite the public to join them June 15 for the release of their latest report, REPRESENTED: A Student-Led Agenda for Improving Teacher Diversity in Delaware.
Details on the free reception:
YAC Presents: REPRESENTED
A report release and community conversation
June 15, 2018 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
1 River Place – Wilmington, DE 19801
Attendees will receive a copy of the report.
In REPRESENTED, the council digs into the diversity crisis among Delaware’s teaching force. They also put forth a series of policy recommendations to solve the crisis, based on a year of research, community conversations and studying the work that other states have done to close the gap.
“Students deserve an authentic seat at the table, and when they get one, they shed light on issues in a unique way that commands attention,” said Gabrielle Thomas, the founder and director of the Youth Advocacy Council. “Students want the power to fix the problems they experience in school. This report shows just that: the council chose to research teacher diversity by reflecting on their own experience—and that motivated them to make truly compelling recommendations for elected officials.”
During the 10-month Youth Advocacy Council training program, students learn important civic engagement strategies to leverage effective campaigns for social change.
“The YAC has helped me develop and understand the power of my voice as a young Latino and as a scholar at William Penn High School,” said Marco, a council member. “I have learned the many problems that students and teachers of color face in our current education system, including the ‘giftedness’ and ‘college access’ gaps.”
Delaware high school students are encouraged to learn more about the program by contacting Thomas at gabriellethomas22@gmail.com or (484) 888-5932. Leaders in education policy are also encouraged to attend or speak at a training session.
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About DelawareCAN: Launched in 2017, DelawareCAN: The Delaware Campaign for Achievement Now is a nonprofit organization that empowers, mobilizes and collaborates with everyday Delawareans to advocate for a high-quality education system.
About the Youth Advocacy Council: Founded and led by Gabrielle Thomas, the Youth Advocacy Council is a statewide forum for high school students to learn about education policy and lead their own campaigns to improve Delaware schools. The group measures success based on increased knowledge of civics and government, the state of education in Delaware and how to successfully lead an advocacy movement, from strong public speaking to policy drafting and research. The Youth Advocacy Council operates in partnership with DelawareCAN: The Delaware State Campaign for Achievement Now.