The Lawrence Leadership Project (LLP) is a school-based program initiated in Fall 2008 by DUSP graduate student Eric Gonzalez to create a support network for college bound youth within Lawrence public high schools. By exposing youth to like-minded peers, the LLP hopes to create a cadre of students who will counteract the consistently negative forces exerted on young people in disenfranchised communities
such as Lawrence.
As described previously under the Lawrence@MIT program, students in the city of Lawrence face significant challenges to high school high school graduation and continuing to college and career. Chief among the instigating factors are social issues. In many cases, students that continue with their formal education do so in spite of their community. Prematurely imposed responsibilities, depressed neighborhood economies, and a status quo of mediocrity disempower young people. Many are convinced that dropping out of school is the appropriate choice. LLP participants will meet regularly, taking part in activities that will:
- Reinforce their desire to achieve academically,
- Provide resources which help youth document and plan their education and careers,
- Introduce students to classmates with similar aspirations,
- Create a safe and supportive environment for youth to express their hopes and frustrations,
- Acquaint students with college preparation resources and the application process,
- Connect youth with higher education institutions.
To achieve these objectives, Gonzalez will rely on local community partners such as the Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) local community based organizations (HERC), the administration and staff of Lawrence High School Learning Center, and several yet-to-be-identified universities and community colleges that will host LLP students for visits during the spring.
Check out the final curriculum and documentation.
