Baton Rouge Youth Voice Initiative Returns: Pivotal Student Listening Series for Education

Baton Rouge Alliance for Students and The Education Trust in Louisiana Partner to Elevate Youth Voices in Education

BATON ROUGE, LA– The Baton Rouge Youth Voice Initiative, a collaborative project of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students and The Education Trust in Louisiana, announces the return of its student listening series. Launched in 2022, the initiative seeks to collect student perspectives to inform desired change in the Baton Rouge education system.

Last year’s report emphasized students’ calls for enhancements in mental health resources and the quality of educators. In 2023, in partnership with The Education Trust in Louisiana, an organization working to promote educational equity for historically underserved students in the state’s schools, the initiative will use lunch-and-learn sessions to gather student feedback on civic responsibility, policy influence, and leveraging personal experiences.

Mikey Hart, a student from McKinley Senior High School, emphasized the initiative’s importance, noting the need for student input, “Amplifying student voice is crucial. Without their input, who will truly understand their needs and desires.”

The upcoming report will compare data from the previous year, providing an analysis of Baton Rouge’s educational trends. “Last year, we used an innovative digital media approach that involved students sharing their personal narratives through an interactive Truth Booth experience,“ said Jade Miller, Director of Community Affairs with the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students. “We’re committed to amplifying student voices, ensuring they not only echo but inspire real change.”

Schools in East Baton Rouge Parish are encouraged to participate in the Baton Rouge Youth Voice Initiative as it aims to drive positive change and shape the future for Baton Rouge’s youth using student feedback. To participate in the Baton Rouge Youth Voice Initiative and take the student survey, visit BatonRougeStudents.org.

About the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students

The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students works in partnership with a coalition of parents, community, civic leaders, and policymakers to achieve the shared goal of an excellent education for every Baton Rouge student. The Alliance’s work focuses on empowering families, elevating community, and engaging leaders. The Alliance cultivates and supports diverse, student-centered leaders who believe that high-quality schools serving all of Baton Rouge’s children are vital to ensuring the city’s growth and success.

About the Education Trust in Louisiana

The Education Trust in Louisiana works to promote educational equity for historically underserved students in the Louisiana’s schools. We work alongside students, families, and communities to build urgency and collective will for educational equity and justice.

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