METCO Youth Council Turn Learning Into Change-Making

July marked the official launch of something we've dreamed about for quite some time—our first-ever METCO Youth Council. We welcomes 20 remarkable students from across districts this summer. Facilitated by new METCO, Inc. staff members Dr. Tia Lites and Alton Jenkins and in partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Kuji Wellness, these young leaders explored issues affecting their Boston neighborhoods as well as their METCO districts through research, civic engagement, and honest conversation, culminating in a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Symposium. Their voices are not an addition to our work; they are essential to it. 

Throughout their Youth Participatory Action Research experience, scholars became

active researchers by investigating issues directly connected to the METCO scholar

experience. Working collaboratively, they developed focused research questions, selected

appropriate methods, collected and organized data, and examined evidence to identify

patterns and emerging findings. Scholars also utilized Boston Public Library research tools and

resources to locate credible information and strengthen their understanding of how reliable

data can support research and advocacy. Rather than relying solely on personal experiences

or opinions, students were challenged to use evidence to develop findings and ultimately

recommend realistic, actionable changes within METCO communities.

Tour of Roxbury

The Council explored the Roxbury neighborhood's rich history, cultural significance, and ongoing transformation. Scholars visited Michael Bivins Park, historic Black churches in Roxbury, and several landmark spaces throughout the South End. Along the way, they examined public art, including a powerful sculpture by renowned artist Fern Cunningham, and engaged in thoughtful conversations about gentrification and its impact on longtime residents, neighborhood culture, and community preservation. The tour concluded with a visit to Northeastern University, where students explored the campus and discussed pathways to higher education. 

The Breakfast Club

At the end of July, we kicked off Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) learning modules called “The Breakfast Club.” This initiative was designed to help scholars build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping strategies, and grow as confident leaders. Through reflective journaling, group discussions, movement and wellness activities, and peer-to-peer affirmations, students explored identity, self-esteem, belonging, communication, boundaries, stress management, joy, and leadership. The curriculum created intentional space for METCO scholars to reflect on their experiences while building practical tools to support their emotional well-being, academic success, and personal growth.

Dillaway House Experience

TThe METCO Youth Council participated in a YPAR Think Tank at the historic Dillaway House in Roxbury with motivational speaker and social impact leader Dr. Rachel Deleveaux. The experience combined cultural and historical learning with youth-centered research and leadership development.

Students began with a museum tour of the Dillaway House, where they learned about the rich history of Roxbury and the significance of the community and its historical spaces. Following the tour, scholars shared the social justice issues they were researching through YPAR and Dr. Deleveaux provided meaningful feedback on their ideas. Dr. Deleveaux encouraged students to think critically about their research questions, strengthen their proposed solutions, and consider how their work can create positive and sustainable change within their METCO districts. The experience reinforced the power of youth voice, research,history, and leadership in creating meaningful change in their communities.

Reparations Workshop

Then, the METCO Youth Council participated in an ducational course on reparations, facilitated by Aziza Robinson-Goodnight, designed to help scholars understand the historical, social, economic, and educational impacts of racial injustice and explore what meaningful repair can look like. Using the Wheel of Repair as a framework, students examined reparations as more than financial compensation, exploring how communities can address historical and ongoing inequities through restoration, investment, accountability, and systemic change. The course encouraged scholars to connect history to their own experiences as METCO students and emerging leaders while thinking critically about what justice, equity, and repair can look like for Black communities.

Neighborhood Evolution Projects

Finally, METCO Youth Council Scholars completed Neighborhood Evolution Projects, exploring how Boston neighborhoods have transformed over time and the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped those changes. Scholars researched neighborhood history and identity while examining issues such as housing, displacement, gentrification, zoning, environmental equity, cultural preservation, and access to public spaces. 

Through historical research, data, and “Then vs. Now” comparisons, students considered who benefits from neighborhood change, whose voices may be excluded, and how young people can advocate for more equitable communities. The project culminated in research-based recommendations and presentations, empowering scholars to see themselves as civic leaders and stakeholders with the ability to help shape the future of Boston’s neighborhoods.