Students Leading the Way Toward Social Justice Within and Beyond the Classroom

Abstract

In this article we present two programs we have developed at Bryn Mawr College designed to effect socially just change on our campus and beyond. Both programs create forums for dialogue across differently positioned community members and ensure that students assume leadership roles in these efforts. In our discussion we describe the programs, identify their shared premises, and discuss preliminary findings—both benefits and challenges—from our ongoing study of participants' experiences in the programs. We highlight the kinds of personal changes participants experience as they pave the way for institutional change, and we emphasize how students lead all participants down the still unfolding paths these programs chart.

Alison Cook-Sather is professor of Education and Coordinator of The Andrew W. Mellon Teaching and Learning Institute at Bryn Mawr College. Her research interests focus on collaborative approaches to teaching and learning within secondary teacher preparation for undergraduates and faculty development at the college level.

Jody Cohen is senior lecturer in Education at Bryn Mawr College and a Mentor with Bryn Mawr's Posse Program, which supports diverse young people as leaders and scholars. Her research interests focus on diversity and social justice in education at both the secondary and the college level and on partnerships between colleges and urban secondary schools.

Zanny Alter is the Partnership Coordinator between a West Philadelphia high school and Bryn Mawr College. Her research interests include urban education, student perceptions of school and post-secondary education, and college access for urban students.