Racial Equity Ambassadors

The 2024-2025 Cohort

The Asheville Six Strategies

REAP students developed the Asheville Six Strategies based on the Equity Collaborative’s Students’ Six Model. The Racial Equity Ambassadors deliver these strategies to their teachers through professional development sessions throughout the school year. REAP’s multi-pronged strategic approach to cultural responsiveness increases program efficacy and includes advocacy by and for youth, applied best-practice research on educational outcomes, leadership development, and training/education.

2024-2025 accomplishments

• 2024 Dudley Flood Center History Counts Award
  REAP was honored with this award for their impact on equity and education. Although current students were unable to accept the award due to Hurricane Helene, REAP co-founder and Asheville High alumna Miranda Williams accepted on their behalf.

• Beyond Diversity: Courageous Conversations Training
  REAP students participated in this nationally recognized training to deepen their understanding of racial equity and leadership.

• Asheville City Schools Convocation
  REAP students addressed the entire ACS staff, sharing their insights and experiences to inspire district-wide reflection and action at the beginning of the year kick-off celebration.

• Supported the Adoption of the AVL6 Framework
  The AVL6 was officially adopted as ACS’ guiding principle for 2024–2025 with REAP’s leadership and input.

• Presented at the ACS Curriculum Conference
  Students shared how REAP models expeditionary learning, offering educators a student-led example of inquiry, reflection, and community engagement.

• Introduced the AVL 6 Educator Handbook to Elementary Schools
  REAP students presented the AVL6 framework and handbook to elementary school teachers.

• Surveyed Over 600 Asheville High Students
  REAP conducted a schoolwide survey to gather feedback on the effectiveness and application of the AVL6 to inform future work.

• Developed REAP Jr. for Middle School Students
  Students worked with Asheville Middle School staff to design a version of REAP tailored to engage younger students in identity exploration and leadership.

• Hosted a Film Festival at Asheville High
  REAP organized a schoolwide screening of Rez Ball and treated over 70 students to Sunshine Sammie’s ice cream as part of the event.

• Planned and Hosted a Community Event with Ross Gay
  REAP led the planning and execution of a major community event featuring poet and author Ross Gay, drawing over 600 attendees.

• Facilitated a Writing and Art Contest
  To accompany the Ross Gay event, REAP organized Big World, Small Delights, a creative contest that invited students to submit work answering the question: How do you find small delights in a world full of challenges and adversity?

• Participated in the ACSF Freedom Ride
  REAP students joined DREAM students on an experiential learning trip to Atlanta, Selma, and Montgomery, visiting historic Civil Rights sites.

• Presented at the ImpactED’25 National Conference
  REAP was the only student group in the country to present at this national convening of education foundations, showcasing their work and the importance of student voice on a national stage.

ACSF FREEDOM RIDE

What students have to say about REAP

“Not only have I met new people, but I've grown on my racial journey by being able to attend out of school programs like the Martin Luther King memory, REI trainings, and equity trainings. Now I have a little bit more of a sense of who I want to be and I have the tools to take opportunities.”

-Tristan, REAP Sophomore

“I’ve gotten to be around people like me more and get closer with people I wouldn’t have even talked to before. I also learned valuable things like public speaking skills and about the history of Asheville and our state.”

-Elena, REAP Junior

“I this year in REAP I believe that I have changed from being someone who steps back and listens/observes, to someone that engages and teaches. This happened though the countless presentations I presented in, that gave me the opportunity to educate my teachers and city board members.”

-Stella, REAP Senior

What educators have to say about REAP

“This is something every school needs to hear.”

“Amazing student voice!”

“The students were well prepared and I learned a lot more about the program. I look forward to working with this group more this year.”

For questions or more information, please contact:

Copland Arnold Rudolph
Executive Director
copland@acsf.org
(828) 350-6174