The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students is now accepting applications for the next Changemakers cohort. Adonica Duggan joined Talk 107.3 to explain how the program helps residents better understand public education in Baton Rouge.
What Is Changemakers?
Changemakers is a 10-month leadership program for people who want to learn more about schools, policy and education challenges in the city. Duggan said the program is not only for educators. Parents, business leaders, community members and residents without children in public schools can also apply.
Participants meet one day a month for 10 months. They also take a three-day city visit in the spring to study education ideas in other communities. Past trips have included Denver, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Indianapolis and Atlanta.
Why It Matters
Duggan said strong public schools play a major role in Baton Rouge’s economic future. The program gives participants a closer look at different types of schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools and non-public schools.
Participants also meet with policymakers and school leaders. By the end of the program, they bring more informed questions to local decision-makers.
The program is free for participants, but it is highly competitive. Duggan said the Alliance usually selects about 25 people each year from roughly 150 to 200 applications. Applications for Cohort 9 remain open through July.
Youth Voice Survey Also Open
The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students is also collecting responses for its Youth Voice Survey. The survey asks middle and high school students about their school experience. Duggan said student feedback helps shape policy priorities, including the need for more mental health support.
The Youth Voice Survey closes July 15. Students and Changemakers applicants can learn more at batonrougestudents.org.