Changemakers in Action: Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities

At Eagle Rock School, we believe in the transformative power of education to drive social justice and dismantle systemic inequities. Our Changemaker Cohort embodies this mission, uniting passionate students and educators nationwide to collaboratively foster meaningful change within their communities.

Understanding the Changemaker Cohort

The Changemaker Cohort is a year-long professional development initiative designed to cultivate authentic partnerships between students and adults. By emphasizing shared decision-making and mutual respect, we aim to empower participants to become catalysts for social justice and anti-racism. Eagle Rock School established this program to amplify our collective impact through a framework centered on anti-racism, leveraging existing strengths, and incorporating processes like Improvement Science, all grounded in wellness practices. 

Participants engage in in-person gatherings, receive ongoing coaching support, and are provided with a $2,000 stipend to implement projects that empower and equip students for their future journeys. Travel, accommodations, and meals during gatherings are covered, ensuring accessibility for all selected pairs.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, we are pleased to work with six incredible adult-student pairings across the country: TuNice Cole and Leda from Francis Parker School of Louisville in Louisville, KY, Beckah DeYoung and Emileo from Étude High School in Sheboygan, WI, Stefeni Becerra and Julian from Lake Arthur High School in Lake Arthur, NM, Andrea Barnes and Matius from Vaux Big Picture High School in Philadelphia, PA, Amanda Dyer and Cheyanne from Freedom High School in Albuquerque, NM, and a pairing from Eagle Rock: Sandy Rivera and Thomas. 

Stories of Transformation: Changemakers at Work in their Communities

Consider the journey of Beckah DeYoung, a High School teacher & advisor at Étude High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Emileo, a senior who has been at Étude since sixth grade. Together, they noticed a decline in student participation in non-graded activities post-COVID. To address this, they organized a Community Day at Kohler-Andrae State Park, featuring scavenger hunts and group activities designed to foster connections among students who wouldn't typically interact. Their efforts led to increased engagement and a renewed sense of community within their school.

Similarly, in Lake Arthur, New Mexico, educator Stefeni Becerra and senior student Julian recognized the need for mental wellness resources in their community. Inspired by their experiences with the Changemaker Cohort, they initiated the creation of a "Wellness Center" within their school—a dedicated space for students to relax, decompress, and access mental health resources. This initiative not only supports current students but also aims to extend mental wellness resources to families in the community.

At Francis Parker School in Louisville, Kentucky, High School Counselor and DEIB Director Dr. TuNice Cole and student Leda collaborated with colleagues and students to strengthen connections across grade levels. They formed the Collective Leadership Committee that consists of students and faculty/staff, implemented initiatives such as playing Name That Tune during morning meetings, organizing games of capture the Wyvern during the all-school free period, and placing centralized event calendars to foster a sense of connection and belonging. These efforts have led to increased student engagement and a more interconnected school community.

Sophomore Matias “Maty” and advisor Andrea Barnes, at Vaux Big Picture High School in Philadelphia, are enhancing student engagement through the Changemakers Cohort. Their project introduces board games and activities during lunch to reduce stress and conflicts while ensuring students have access to hygiene products in advisory. Maty has strengthened his leadership skills, and Andrea has gained insight into student-driven change. Together, they’re fostering a more supportive school community, ensuring students feel seen, supported, and connected.

At Freedom High School in Albuquerque, junior Cheyanne and Family Liaison Amanda Dyer are working to increase student engagement through community-building activities. Inspired by their time at Eagle Rock School, they’ve introduced lunch events like musical chairs with prizes, fostering connections among students who wouldn’t typically interact. Through surveys, they found that many students struggle with feeling welcome at school, motivating them to create a more inclusive environment. Cheyanne has become more engaged with both students and teachers, and they hope their efforts will continue to strengthen the school community next year.

Finally, right on our own campus at Eagle Rock School, Sandy Rivera, Residential Life Coordinator and LatinX Student Union founder, and student Thomas took a deep dive into what belonging means within their school community. Through the Changemakers Cohort workshops, they gained tools like Empathy Interviews, which helped them identify a crucial asset: students needed a dedicated space to connect, relax, and simply exist outside of structured school environments. Together, they designed a plan to create a living room-style gathering space on campus, featuring comfortable seating, fidget toys, multilingual signage, and an inclusive environment for both introverts and extroverts. Their project is a testament to the power of collaborative leadership, proving that when students and staff work together, real change happens.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Changemaker Cohort is more than a program; it's a movement dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders to break down unjust systems. By embracing diversity and committing to charting a new path together, we create a community defined by support, collaboration, and learning.

If you're passionate about driving positive change and empowering students, we invite you to embark on this transformative journey with us. Together, we can create lasting impacts in our communities and beyond.

To learn more about the Changemaker Cohort, visit our website and consider submitting a Changemaker Cohort Interest Form. Join us in redefining education and making a difference that resonates far beyond the classroom.