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Activist Lab

Adopt a School Program

Group of six people standing indoors, some wearing green Adopt a School shirts, others in blue AVID and white Activist Lab shirts.

The Activist Lab's Adopt a School Program educates middle school and high school students on advocacy and allows students to practice advocacy skills by developing school and community projects. Students hone writing and speech skills while learning how to implement change at all levels.

Two people standing on either side of a whiteboard in a school classroom, with colorful educational materials and posters visible on the walls.

Never Too Young to Advocate

The Adopt-a-School Program, which is ongoing, invites students from local schools to participate in Lab activities to learn how to be strong public health advocates. “Young individuals need to find their voice early to become strong advocates and have an outlet for their passion for change. However, advocacy takes skill, and these skills need to be not only learned but practiced so that one is effective in leading change efforts,” Liller said. “I believe you can’t start too young when it comes to learning advocacy.”

Teaching Advocacy

Students participate in a variety of projects and work on projects within their own schools to create change.  Examples of topics explored include improving the dress code language in school documents, having more supplies available in classrooms and restrooms, and improving the cafeteria food choices. Also, the Activist Lab has developed programs for the students, including climate change and Latino health and more!