#United States #Educational Innovation #Eagle Rock #Changemaker Cohort #Estes Park

Introducing the Sixth Changemaker Cohort at Eagle Rock School

Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center (PDC) has officially announced the recruitment for its Sixth Changemaker Cohort, scheduled to launch from February 15-19, 2027. This nationwide initiative aims to unite students and educators who are eager to innovate and transform their schools into environments that prioritize equity and inclusivity.

What is the Changemaker Cohort?

The Changemaker Cohort is a unique program that focuses on fostering partnerships between students and educators as co-leaders in the educational landscape. The underlying principle of the program is that true and lasting change occurs when both youth and adults work together. Over the course of this year-long program, participants will engage in a series of intensive, hands-on sessions designed to enhance their leadership skills while focusing on equity-driven improvements in their schools.

Why Participate?

Applying for the Changemaker Cohort comes with numerous benefits:

• - Comprehensive Learning: Participants will benefit from a variety of workshops and discussions led by expert facilitators, enhancing their understanding of inclusive education.
• - Collaborative Networks: Schools will join a national community, fostering dialogue about equity and engagement in education.
• - Action Projects: Each team will have the opportunity to design and implement a project specifically tailored to their school's needs, with guidance and support from the PDC.
• - Empowered Partnerships: The program emphasizes the critical partnership between students and educators, honing their skills collaboratively.

Dan Condon, Associate Director of Professional Development at Eagle Rock School, has expressed the program’s vision succinctly: “This program is about reimagining what's possible in schools. By partnering students and educators as co-leaders, we're cultivating the skills, courage, and community needed to disrupt inequities and create schools where every young person thrives.”

History of Growth

Since its inception in 2021, the Changemaker Cohort has made significant strides in supporting schools across the nation. Schools involved in the previous cohorts have brought forth innovative, equity-focused initiatives that have positively affected student outcomes and fostered a greater sense of belonging.

Participating Schools Include:

• - Crosstown High, TN
• - Eagle Rock School, CO
• - Empower Generations High School, CA
• - E'Tude High School, WI
• - Fannie Lou Freedom High School, NY
• - And many more ranging from New York to New Mexico.

This upcoming Sixth Changemaker Cohort aspires to build on the successes of its predecessors by equipping new student-educator teams with the necessary tools to initiate transformative changes in their respective communities.

How to Apply

Applications are open for interested student and staff pairs eager to make a difference in their schools. The recruitment period will run until shortly before the program's launch on February 15, 2027. For more details on the application process, you can visit changemakercohort.org.

About Eagle Rock School

Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Estes Park, Colorado, Eagle Rock School is not just an educational institution; it's a year-round, residential high school that provides full scholarships to young people aged 15-17. Known for its innovative education approaches, the school focuses on cultivating the next generation of leaders who can dismantle unjust systems within education. The Eagle Rock Professional Development Center is dedicated to supporting educators and students, enabling schools to foster an environment of engagement, equity, and leadership.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Eagle Rock School and PDC, which is backed by a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative from the American Honda Education Corporation, a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.