|
|
YPP is an offshoot of the Algebra Project founded in 1996 that trains youth as mentors to raise interest in math among public school students. YPP shares much common ground with AP: a rich cultural and historical legacy and the driving principle of education as a means of reaching full human potential. The Center began promoting the establishment of a Miami chapter of the organization in 2003, an effort that received a boost when AP founder Bob Moses joined the staff as an Eminent Scholar.
YPP works to organize young people to radically change the quality of education they receive, and to use this as a tool to develop leadership and raise social consciousness, so that they may serve as catalysts for improving the quality of life in their communities. It operates from the premise that there cannot be successful school reform without community reform, i.e. the culture of the community around education has to change. This cultural transformation must take place on three levels:
- communities develop confidence that their youth are capable of academic success;
- communities develop a sense of responsibility for ensuring the academic success of their youth; and
- communities begin to see themselves as agents of social change, responsible for building the requisite demand and capacity necessary to ensure high quality public education for all youth.
Besides Miami, YPP has established sites in Jackson, MS; Chicago, IL; and the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts; and is developing programs in New Orleans and Petersburg, VA. Each established site employs from 30 to 100 high school and college age students on a part-time basis, and serves up to 1000 elementary and middle school students through a variety of programs.
Math Literacy Workers
A major part of YPP’s work in Miami is the development and training of high school Math Literacy Workers. Teams of high school students, led by college students, conduct workshops for elementary school students in school and community-based after school programs, churches and community centers. Four or five days a week, depending on the site, the program provides fun and educational mathematical activites, some computer–based work, and a rich and varied language arts component—in addition to basic homework assistance.
The organization is currently working with high school students from two high schools, Booker T. Washington and Miami Edison, to enhance their skills as students, teachers and activists.
Flagway Campaign
YPP is launching a new initiative to build demand for math literacy at the community level by building local and national Flagway leagues. The Flagway Game, developed by Dr. Moses, offers an intriguing combination of physical activity, sportsmanship and mathematical reasoning. Moreover, the organized math-based competitions create an opportunity for parents, teachers and friends to show their excitement and support for the mathematical skills of their students.
|
