Civic Leadership & Engagement
School & Community Programming
Civic Leadership and Engagement
BSA’s After School Programs
BSA operates innovative Civic Leadership and Engagement programming (out-of-school-time, year-round) for middle & high school aged youth. Our 36 week curriculum supports youth in exploring PRIDE = self-identity, PURPOSE = community service and POWER = advocacy and public policy.
We believe that youth should have PRIDE in who they are and where they come from; that they have a PURPOSE in their community and that they have the POWER to create positive systemic change.
“Programs are progress, and we need progress. But policy is power.”
Youth leaders participating in programming engage in critical discussions through out the year about various injustices they face in their schools and communities; those discussions lead to action through youth-led service activities and the development of BSA’s youth-led Black Youth Agenda. This work provides dynamic with dynamic opportunities to gain tools to be social catalyst in their communities and then apply that learning to implement and support campaigns, engage with local elected officials and community leaders; and organize other youth and adult allies within their communities. BSA supports youth leaders by conducting research on trends and best practices, tracking legislation that impact Black families, coalition building and by advocating for policies that are equitable and just for all; and seek changes to eliminate structural barriers.
