New Gen at
Claxton Elementary

The collaboration between the Center for Participatory Change (CPC) and Claxton Elementary School marks a transformative partnership aimed at fostering community engagement, educational empowerment, and holistic development for students and families in Asheville, NC.

Empowering Futures Together
CPC & Claxton Elementary School Collaboration

Program Overview

At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. CPC and Claxton Elementary School have come together to implement a multifaceted program that addresses various aspects of student life.

  • CPC facilitates engaging workshops designed to strengthen the ties between Claxton Elementary School and the local community. These workshops focus on building connections, fostering open communication, and creating a sense of belonging for students, parents, and educators.

  • Together, CPC and Claxton Elementary School have developed youth empowerment initiatives, providing students with tools and resources to explore their potential, build self-esteem, and develop leadership skills. These initiatives include mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and extracurricular activities to nurture well-rounded individuals.

  • Recognizing the crucial role of families in a child's education, CPC collaborates with Claxton Elementary School to offer support and education programs for parents and guardians. These initiatives include seminars on parenting skills, navigating the education system, and creating a conducive home environment for learning.

  • To celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness, the collaboration includes cultural enrichment activities within the school curriculum. CPC contributes by organizing events, presentations, and activities that broaden students' perspectives and foster an appreciation for different cultures.

  • Empowering the community to take charge of its own development is a core principle of CPC. The collaboration encourages community-led initiatives within Claxton Elementary School, allowing residents to actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the school's overall improvement.

Conclusion

The collaboration between CPC and Claxton Elementary School is a testament to the transformative power of community partnerships in education. By combining the strengths of a community-focused organization with the educational expertise of the school, this collaboration aims to create a vibrant, inclusive learning environment that propels students towards success and prepares them for a bright future. Through shared values and a commitment to participatory change, CPC and Claxton Elementary School are laying the foundation for a stronger, more empowered community.

CPC New Gen is Youth Centered

Originating from the injustices experienced by black and brown children in Western North Carolina (WNC) schools, our movement is fueled by a drive for equitable access to opportunities.

Designed to build leadership and critical thinking skills, our initiative provides guiding principles towards a collective liberated world. Centering healing at the core, we prioritize creating spaces where BIPOC youth can thrive.

This mission became evident during a homework assignment in March 2023, where the lack of engagement opportunities for BIPOC youth in Asheville (AVL) underscored the urgent need for change.

It's clear that teachers, burdened with heavy workloads, are neglecting to address curricula that perpetuate internalized racism, leading to culturally insensitive dialogues within classrooms. Our students deserve an environment where they can focus on learning without the added burden of being racial equity consultants.

Let's work together to ensure that schools are places of education, not arenas for perpetuating inequality, with a focus on BIPOC visibility to support our students.