Thank you to Rod Murphy of Collective Projects for the creation of this video

Racial Equity Ambassador Program (REAP)

In collaboration with Asheville City Schools and The Equity Collaborative, the Asheville City Schools Foundation launched an innovative program in 2020 called the Racial Equity Ambassador Program (REAP). The Racial Equity Ambassador Program is comprised of 25 diverse student leaders from Asheville High School and SILSA who engage and educate our ACS teachers on culturally responsive strategies for the classroom.

 
 
 

2022-2023 Year-End Celebration

 

The 2023-2024 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.

 

2022-2023 accomplishments

  • Divided into project teams for the year that will bring meaningful change to their schools’ culture:

    Survey Team- Created and distributed a survey soliciting feedback from all AHS/SILSA students about their perceptions of culturally responsive teaching

    Presentation Team- Created and distributed a video to all students and staff detailing the AVL 6 Strategies

    Teacher Scenario Practice Team- Cultivated a safe space for educators to practice and engage in real-life scenarios using the AVL 6

    AVL 6 Handbook team- Created a resource guide for all teachers and staff on how to implement the AVL 6 in their classrooms

  • Engaged in a Telling Your Stories training with Mike Wiley and hosted his performance of One Noble Journey for the AHS/SILSA student body

  • Attended a two-day Racial Equity Insitute Training

  • Attended a fall retreat featuring TAPAAS artists Cleaster Cotton and Ginger Huebner

  • Presented to a statewide audience at the North Carolina’s Center for Nonprofits: Building on Inclusion, Achieving Equity Conference in Durham

  • Presented to a national audience at the Leaning Forward Annual Conference in Nashville

What students have to say about REAP

“We are leaders, even as students. Oftentimes as younger people we're not treated or looked at as equals to our adult counterparts. REAP changed that perspective and has allowed us to feel seen and heard.” -Salvador, REAP Senior

“REAP to me is such a powerful and eye opening experience, and it is really the embodiment of student leadership. In this program, my communication and planning skills have grown, and I have been able to learn from people my age about racial equity.” -Solomon, REAP Sophomore


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:

Jasmine Washington
REAP and Alumni Center Coordinator
jasmine@acsf.org
(828) 350-6174