PARTNERSHIPS
At LEAD STL, our commitment to social change and equity extends far beyond the walls of our organization; it is deeply rooted in an active, ongoing collaboration with the community we serve. We recognize that the most impactful change arises from ground-level activism, facilitated by direct engagement with local schools, organizations, and individuals. Through partnerships, workshops, and immersive learning experiences, we aim to bring about a collective shift in understanding and action. This community-centric approach ensures that our programs are not just tailored to the needs of the community, but are also powered by the very people striving for change. It is this symbiotic relationship that amplifies our impact, allowing us to foster leadership, build cultural understanding, and enact meaningful, long-lasting social change.
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External Partnerships:
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School Immersion
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Cross-District Partnership
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Informative Workshops & Courageous Conversations
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Artful Justice
School Immersion Partnership
LEAD STL's Immersive School Partnership is a cutting-edge program designed to arm students with the tools and leadership skills they need to understand, identify, and combat inequity in their communities. Upon completing our workshops, students emerge with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a renewed commitment to sustained action for equity and justice. Supported by LEAD STL facilitators, students will step out of their comfort zones, synthesize different perspectives, and develop the skills necessary to transform their school communities. LEAD STL will provide a seasoned team of facilitators, a carefully curated curriculum, and select meeting spaces for this year-long partnership. The program includes a kickoff event, three weekend retreats, monthly Sunday programs, and an immersive St. Louis journey to solidify the learning experience. All necessary supplies, as well as costs for travel, meals, and student activities, will be covered within the partnership parameters.
Our multifaceted program aims to:
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Promote intercultural communication
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Provide a foundational understanding of local history
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Equip students with tools to identify and counteract bullying
Cross-District Partnerships
LEAD STL's Cross-District Partnerships program is designed to break down barriers and build bridges between diverse school districts. Our objective is to arm students with the leadership skills and practical tools they need to identify inequities and take effective action. Over the course of a semester, participants from districts with differing demographics come together to engage in transformative workshops, develop a deep understanding of local history, and gain actionable skills to combat bullying and other social issues.
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Methodology
Through a contract-based, semester-long partnership, this program is seamlessly integrated into the school day. The curriculum, facilitated by our experienced team of staff and trained alumni, includes a range of activities and relationship-based learning to help students understand how systemic issues manifest in their own communities. Each participant will be provided with a toolbox of action items for implementing positive change.
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The Details
The strength of our program lies in our dedication to ensuring every voice is heard. Prior to the program's start, partner schools are invited to collaborate on scheduling, logistics, and customizing the curriculum to meet specific needs. We provide all the necessary materials, cover travel and meal expenses, and facilitate meaningful excursions that further enrich the learning experience. Join us in empowering students to "Stand up, Speak out, and Take action," as they develop increased empathy, self-awareness, and a sustained commitment to improving their school communities.
Informative Workshops
Informative Workshops offer a concentrated, three-hour deep dive into critical social justice topics like microaggressions, the cycle of oppression, intersectionality, and more. Designed to be a safe and welcoming space, these workshops engage participants in interactive activities and relationship-based learning to help them grasp how these issues manifest in their own communities. Each workshop concludes by equipping attendees with a toolbox of actionable items for fostering positive change, enabling a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to sustained action for equity.
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What We Bring
Our workshops are facilitated by a skilled team LEAD STL staff and trained alumni, creating an experience-driven, peer-to-peer impact. We maintain a low student-to-facilitator ratio, ensuring that all voices are heard and meaningful relationships are formed. Each session is designed to accommodate up to 50 participants; for larger groups, we offer the flexibility of multiple sessions or split groups to ensure a focused, impactful learning environment.
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What's Included
In addition to providing all the necessary materials for an immersive experience, LEAD STL occasionally invites special guest speakers to supplement the curriculum, enriching the learning even further. Join us in these highly informative sessions to elevate your understanding and commitment to social justice and equity.
Courageous Conversations
LEAD STL's Cross-District Partnerships program is designed to break down barriers and build bridges between diverse school districts. Our objective is to arm students with the leadership skills and practical tools they need to identify inequities and take effective action. Over the course of a semester, participants from districts with differing demographics come together to engage in transformative workshops, develop a deep understanding of local history, and gain actionable skills to combat bullying and other social issues.
​
Methodology
Through a contract-based, semester-long partnership, this program is seamlessly integrated into the school day. The curriculum, facilitated by our experienced team of staff and trained alumni, includes a range of activities and relationship-based learning to help students understand how systemic issues manifest in their own communities. Each participant will be provided with a toolbox of action items for implementing positive change.
​
The Details
The strength of our program lies in our dedication to ensuring every voice is heard. Prior to the program's start, partner schools are invited to collaborate on scheduling, logistics, and customizing the curriculum to meet specific needs. We provide all the necessary materials, cover travel and meal expenses, and facilitate meaningful excursions that further enrich the learning experience. Join us in empowering students to "Stand up, Speak out, and Take action," as they develop increased empathy, self-awareness, and a sustained commitment to improving their school communities.
Artful Justice
Artful Justice, an exciting new partnership between COCA and LEAD STL, was developed to build community and provide a safe space for youth to identify their unique creative voices. This class merges 2 elements situated at the center of COCA’s values: artmaking and social consciousness, in collaboration with Cultural Leadership - a non-profit committed to empowering social change in greater St. Louis through immersive learning and empathy building. Students in this class will experience a curriculum that nurtures different learning styles while cultivating skills to help them address challenging social/cultural issues. The goal is to use the transformative power of art to guide our students on a path towards becoming changemakers.