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Hello Amped Community, It is the season of giving thanks, and our family at Humanities Amped is filled with gratitude for the generosity of your support. Thank you for believing in the talent, creativity, and value of our youth. As 2022 is rapidly drawing to a close, we are excited to share with all of you some of our highlights from this past year. With many of our programs in full swing at Tara High School, we also want to share an overview of our programs and some of the successes we’ve achieved. While there have been many challenges over this past year, great things happen when youth voices are elevated! Please check out the impact and programming report here to learn about what we’ve been up to. Thank you for being on this journey with us, and we hope that we can continue to count on your support this Giving Tuesday! Sincerely, The Team at Humanities Amped Humanities Amped Impact and Programming ReportThe Humanities Amped mission is to model and share transformative educational practices that result in people’s power to shape their world. Our vision is to create a dynamic community of life-long learners and innovative civic leaders. Humanities Amped provides high school classrooms, after school, and lunchtime programs with research-based practices that help youth experience belonging, well-being, and the power of their own voices. When youth have guided opportunities to practice community-engaged writing, research, and arts, they are able to aspire and amplify possibilities for themselves and the people around them.  "Humanities Amped put me in rooms I never thought I’d be in, and gave me the tools to make the difference in the world that I never thought I’d be the one to make, tools that I still use to this day.” -Amped Alum "I love Humanities Amped soo much, like it's the reason why I be excited to come to school." -Amped Student Financial Report
Humanities Amped By the Numbers
  Program ProfilesAMPED AFTERSCHOOL, SUMMER, AND LUNCHTIME PROGRAMS "Humanities Amped teaches us how to use our voice and get out of our comfort zone [while] respecting other people’s differences, [we learn] how to use our minds to create solutions to major problems.” -YALL Member Humanities Amped was like the hole in my life that was finally filled. I am a very anxious person. Humanities Amped encouraged communication in a way that was not at all forceful. This made me wanna talk to people, and surprisingly I made friends.” -Amped Studio Participant Amped StudioStudents participate in an arts and civic engagement club where they research a civic issue they are passionate about and use the recording arts, visual arts, or performing/literary arts to raise their voices for social change. Amplified LunchesStudents participate in activities during school lunches that promote joy, connection, and a sense of belonging on campus. Youth Apprentice Leadrship League (YALL)Student leaders receive training in restorative practices and implement peer-to-peer programming, resulting in positive impacts on school climate and culture.  Program Spotlight |
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“It's not about what we learned, it was about how we learned and how we did different things and how we use those techniques later in life. Every single thing that I learned in Amped I'm using at [my job], I'm using in life." -Amped Classroom Alum
100% of Spanish-speaking student participants agreed or strongly agreed that Humanities Amped volunteers “helped class to feel like a place where everyone can learn.”
Amplified Classroom Residencies
Amped resident educators partner within high school class sections to offer regular planning and co-teaching support that models effective strategies for trauma-informed student engagement, project-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching.
Educator Professional Development
In addition to embedding professional development by modeling strategies directly with students in classrooms, Amped offers coaching to support teachers with a cycle of reflection, planning, and implementation.
ADELANTE VOLUNTEERS: SUPPORT FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Amped coordinates Spanish speaking volunteers to offer small group assistance to English language learners in ELA classrooms. Volunteers and educators are trained to create a welcoming, warm space for English Learners to achieve new social and academic horizons.
Community Engagement
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"[The current youth are] seeing us do these things. Being close in age with them, and they're like ‘I can do that too.’ It shows all the possibilities that they have, especially as us being young Black women in the classroom full of like faces. I definitely see the influence that we have on them.” -Amped Alumni
“After leaving some Humanities Amped events, it made me, as an adult, change my way of thinking. I saw that I didn’t have to think in the same way that people before me was thinking.” -Amped Parent
Amped Alumni Scholarships
Amped employs two college-aged alumni as part- time program staff to support classroom and afterschool programs. In addition to working at Humanities Amped, these staff receive an annual merit-based scholarship of $5,000 to assist with living expenses while in college.
Amped Extended Family
This community-based group provides a gathering ground for youth and alumni to build connections and ask, “how can we create well-being in our community?” This peer and near-peer group receives training in research-based strategies and re-delivers what they learn to their networks.
Family Table Gatherings
Amped sets the table every other month for family, community, youth, and partners to gather and share food, connection, and the spirit of fellowship with one another.
Together, we embody the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because we are.”
Thank YOU for supporting the next generation of community leaders!
What's New at Humanities Amped
Adelante Volunteer Sign Up!
We are looking for dual-language (Spanish or Arabic) volunteers to support English learners during the spring semester at Tara High School. Sign up here!
We are looking for dual-language (Spanish or Arabic) volunteers to support English learners during the spring semester at Tara High School. Sign up here!
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Humanities Amped is excited to announce that we are searching for an Executive Director to nurture our organization’s growth into the future.
Dr. Anna West, who co-founded Humanities Amped in 2014, plans to step down from her role as Executive Director in February 2023 so that she may return to her passions as an educator and writer. She explains her perspective on the transition:
“I am amazed at how the journey we set out on in a single classroom nine years ago has connected to so many people’s desire to create critically engaging, humanized learning communities. What started as a small project has grown into a full fledged organization with multiple programs. We have been holding so much abundance and learning. Personally, I am looking forward to having some space to reflect, write, and amplify our mission as an advocate. I hope that our next Executive Director can bring new energy, skillfulness and determination to steward our growth to the next level.”
Dr. Anna West, who co-founded Humanities Amped in 2014, plans to step down from her role as Executive Director in February 2023 so that she may return to her passions as an educator and writer. She explains her perspective on the transition:
“I am amazed at how the journey we set out on in a single classroom nine years ago has connected to so many people’s desire to create critically engaging, humanized learning communities. What started as a small project has grown into a full fledged organization with multiple programs. We have been holding so much abundance and learning. Personally, I am looking forward to having some space to reflect, write, and amplify our mission as an advocate. I hope that our next Executive Director can bring new energy, skillfulness and determination to steward our growth to the next level.”
The Humanities Amped Board of Directors has embarked on a strategic planning process to define our goals and crystalize what we need from our next Executive Director. We are asking for your help in spreading the word to potential applicants. See the Call for Applications below.
Board President, Dr. Alex Torres encourages community support: “The Board of Directors is excited to find, welcome, and support Amped’s new leader. We are hopeful that Humanities Amped’s powerful mission will resonate with applicants, and we invite the community to share the job call far and wide.”
As we look ahead to this leadership transition, we are excited to share that we are moving full steam ahead in a robust partnership with Tara High School. Classroom-based programming has been rolling out in phases, including the Adelante Initiative to provide classroom support for English language learners as well as Amped classroom residencies in which HA staff provide development and hands-on support in ELA, ESL, and Freshman Seminar classes. Amped Studio, an arts-based civic engagement afterschool program, begins next Wednesday, October 12th. If you know a Tara High School student, please invite them to apply at the link below. We are so thankful for the welcoming environment we’ve found at Tara High School. Together, we are working to transform outcomes for young people and our community.
As always, the Amped mission only moves when our community shows up. If you are able, become a donor at any level to help us to move the work forward!
With Gratitude,
The Humanities Amped Team
Amped family, we are thrilled to introduce to you the newest member of the Amped team, LaChanda Harris! LaChanda Harris is Humanities Amped's Community Care Manager. She holds a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, using a blend of treatment modalities in her practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy.
 | Her practice focuses on assisting both individuals and families in developing more flexible ways of being in order to live their most authentic life. She strives to instill hope, and help individuals learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, in order to be free to experience change and freely choose to do what matters in their lives. Most enthusiastic about being a part of an organization that assists young people in realizing their full potential, Ms. Harris believes that when youth feel safe, are engaged, have access to higher learning, and are empowered, their family and community thrives. That is, when the youth, family, and community thrive, the world is changed. |
What are you looking forward to in your new role at Humanities Amped?
I am looking forward to assisting in the work of getting ahead of the curve, providing young people with social emotional tools and systems of support they require and deserve to have flourishing mental/ emotional well-being.
Why does the mission of Humanities Amped matter to you?
Humanities Amped's mission and vision focuses on the whole person, it's a practice. It's not only taught, but lived.
As Community Care Manager, Ms. Harris will plan and implement initiatives to provide social and emotional learning and restorative supports, as well as dynamic leadership opportunities, to the students we serve.
I am looking forward to assisting in the work of getting ahead of the curve, providing young people with social emotional tools and systems of support they require and deserve to have flourishing mental/ emotional well-being.
Why does the mission of Humanities Amped matter to you?
Humanities Amped's mission and vision focuses on the whole person, it's a practice. It's not only taught, but lived.
As Community Care Manager, Ms. Harris will plan and implement initiatives to provide social and emotional learning and restorative supports, as well as dynamic leadership opportunities, to the students we serve.
Our New Home
With great excitement, we would like to share that Tara High School is our new school home. Our district partners have decided that our resources, programs, and expertise will be a strong fit for the needs at Tara High, and we are currently working with the administration to get our programming underway. We have had many wonderfully collaborative and productive meetings with the administrators and teachers at Tara High, and we look forward to continuing our innovative lab school ecosystem at this new site.
On Saturday, September 17th, we onboarded a group of thoughtful and compassionate multilingual volunteers who will be supporting English language learners at Tara, which has the second highest population of English learners in the district. In addition to learning their way around the school campus and practicing trauma-informed responses to various student needs, the new volunteers explored the idea of accompaniment as a grounding approach to their work with students and teachers. “To accompany someone,” writes Staughton Lynd, “is to go somewhere with [them…], to be present on a journey.” Humanities Amped places volunteers in classrooms to come alongside English Language Learners, some of whom are newcomers to the United States, to build trusting relationships and offer academic support. We are calling this project the Adelante Initiative, and we excited for our volunteers to begin this forward-moving work with students in classrooms in the coming weeks!
On Saturday, September 17th, we onboarded a group of thoughtful and compassionate multilingual volunteers who will be supporting English language learners at Tara, which has the second highest population of English learners in the district. In addition to learning their way around the school campus and practicing trauma-informed responses to various student needs, the new volunteers explored the idea of accompaniment as a grounding approach to their work with students and teachers. “To accompany someone,” writes Staughton Lynd, “is to go somewhere with [them…], to be present on a journey.” Humanities Amped places volunteers in classrooms to come alongside English Language Learners, some of whom are newcomers to the United States, to build trusting relationships and offer academic support. We are calling this project the Adelante Initiative, and we excited for our volunteers to begin this forward-moving work with students in classrooms in the coming weeks!
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It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Broadmoor, where we have spent the last year building beloved community with our Amped students and teachers. Our goal is to continue these relationships even as we transition to a new campus, and we have ongoing plans to introduce community programming that will serve our entire Amped community moving forward. In the coming months, we will keep all of you updated as we roll out new programs and initiatives at Tara High and in the wider Baton Rouge community, and, as always, we thank you for your support as we embark on this new partnership together.
Tara High School is excited to announce its partnership with Humanities Amped, a community organization with a proven history of improving outcomes for students in East Baton Rouge — Humanities Amped will provide much-needed ESL support for our growing population of English language learners. This partnership is mutually beneficial, but students will benefit the most. Additional resources and support staff will create equity for our students. After school programming will increase, and Humanities Amped will ensure that students on the outer edges of our attendance zone have transportation after school each day. This will afford students opportunities not previously possible.
John Hayman
Principal
Tara High School
John Hayman
Principal
Tara High School
Volunteer to Assist with our Move
We need volunteers to help us move our larger furniture and many books from Broadmoor High School to Tara High School on Wednesday, Sept. 21st.
If you are interested in helping lift heavy things, please sign up at the link. We will meet in the Broadmoor High School parking lot at 2pm on that Wednesday to load the U-Haul. Then, we will drive to Tara High School to unload! We expect to be done no later than 5pm.
Please sign up if you can be available for the whole time (2pm-5pm).
If you are interested in helping lift heavy things, please sign up at the link. We will meet in the Broadmoor High School parking lot at 2pm on that Wednesday to load the U-Haul. Then, we will drive to Tara High School to unload! We expect to be done no later than 5pm.
Please sign up if you can be available for the whole time (2pm-5pm).
What's New at Humanities Amped
Are you part of the Amped Extended family? This includes youth who have been in amped program, friends, and Alumni! Sign up for the Amped Extended Family Fall 2022 Programming here!
At Humanities Amped, youth are working year round to amplify healing justice, radical imagination, and beloved community in their school and communities!
This summer, we hosted a three week long summer program centered around this year's driving question "What does my community need?" Students were encouraged to think of a specific community they belonged to and an important need of that community, engaging in research to learn more. Combining their personal stories, research, and guidance from a teaching artist specializing in their chosen discipline, students then were able to create art pieces, such as songs, informational videos, poems, sculptures, and more, to represent their answer to the driving question.
This summer, we hosted a three week long summer program centered around this year's driving question "What does my community need?" Students were encouraged to think of a specific community they belonged to and an important need of that community, engaging in research to learn more. Combining their personal stories, research, and guidance from a teaching artist specializing in their chosen discipline, students then were able to create art pieces, such as songs, informational videos, poems, sculptures, and more, to represent their answer to the driving question.
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Teaching artists Celeste Payne (visual arts), Brittany Marshall (performing arts), and Ryan Murray & Andrew Kuo (musical arts), and Amped alumni volunteer, Taylen Roberts, worked with our student-artists to draft a plan and offer support in bringing their ideas for their art projects to life!
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"Heal the World/Heal Yourself" Mini-Conference
Midway through the first two weeks of the summer program, students participated in a mini-conference. At the "Heal Yourself, Heal the World" mini-conference, students attended workshops on mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-management strategies led by Wanda Kuo, Tonja Myles, and Emanuel Boo Milton. The day ended with a featured poetry set of both student and staff poets, followed by a poetry workshop and readback. Students and staff wrote about what they envision and imagine for our communities and our world.
ARTS-BASED CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SHOWCASE
The big premiere has finally arrived! Community members, family, and friends were invited to witness the amazing work that the Amped youth worked on addressing needs of their communities!
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To end off the celebration, Ms. George led us in our closing, Family Table, where we sat together, ate pizza, reflected on the program, and praised one another!
YALL Week featuring Tyler E. Brewster of Peer Connect!
During the third and final week of our summer program, YALL (Youth Apprentice Leadership League) students participated in activities to imagine what leadership looks like on their campus and create a plan to showcase their leadership in and outside of the Amped space!
Restorative Justice educator and practitioner Tyler E. Brewster of Peer Connect joined us during this week to help us explore the heart of restorative justice. In our time with Tyler we deepened our community connections, expanded our understanding of restorative justice, and reflected both on places where we are successfully using restorative justice practices as well as where we can continue to grow. The training provided students with new tools that can be utilized as they step into their new academic school year as leaders!
Restorative Justice educator and practitioner Tyler E. Brewster of Peer Connect joined us during this week to help us explore the heart of restorative justice. In our time with Tyler we deepened our community connections, expanded our understanding of restorative justice, and reflected both on places where we are successfully using restorative justice practices as well as where we can continue to grow. The training provided students with new tools that can be utilized as they step into their new academic school year as leaders!
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About Amped Summer Studio one student shared, "This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I've never had such a strong connection to a group of people." Another student shared, "Humanities Amped was like the hole in my life that was finally filled. I am a very anxious person. Humanities Amped encouraged communication in a way that was not at all forceful. This made me wanna talk to people, and surprisingly I made friends."
At Humanities Amped, we believe that young people are problem solvers, not problems to be solved. When we give students space and permission to ask big questions about issues that matters to them inside of a supportive and uplifting community, they see themselves as the powerful change agents they are. We celebrate the work and learning of our young people this summer, and look forward to what's next! ●
At Humanities Amped, we believe that young people are problem solvers, not problems to be solved. When we give students space and permission to ask big questions about issues that matters to them inside of a supportive and uplifting community, they see themselves as the powerful change agents they are. We celebrate the work and learning of our young people this summer, and look forward to what's next! ●
As we do every year, we are taking a shared hiatus from June 30th - July 27th.
Our team at Humanities Amped is invested in long-term, sustainable care. And we know that begins right where we are, in our own lives. Showing up for ourselves means being intentional about slowing down and resting. It’s how we re-ground ourselves and build our capacity to show up for the long run.
It’s never an easy choice to care for ourselves. There is always so much to do, and for those of us whose work is caring for our community, we often feel like it is never enough. And yet we know that if we want to show up wholeheartedly, we must invest in our own restoration.
We hope to come back to you filled with energy, insight, and imagination. You, dear ones, deserve nothing less than our best selves!
See you in late July. :)
Love,
The Amped Team
Our team at Humanities Amped is invested in long-term, sustainable care. And we know that begins right where we are, in our own lives. Showing up for ourselves means being intentional about slowing down and resting. It’s how we re-ground ourselves and build our capacity to show up for the long run.
It’s never an easy choice to care for ourselves. There is always so much to do, and for those of us whose work is caring for our community, we often feel like it is never enough. And yet we know that if we want to show up wholeheartedly, we must invest in our own restoration.
We hope to come back to you filled with energy, insight, and imagination. You, dear ones, deserve nothing less than our best selves!
See you in late July. :)
Love,
The Amped Team
What a beautiful time we spent together at our first Community Night at Broadmoor High School! On the evening of May 3rd, the students of Amped Studio Afterschool were joined by friends, family, and community members for a celebratory showcase of their work and accomplishments.
The evening began with an awards ceremony to uplift members of the Amped community for their remarkable dedication and service. For her collaborative support of the Amplified ELA Classrooms project, BHS English teacher Mrs. Candita Sims was awarded the Susan Weinstein Greenhouse Award. Amped staff member and alum Tareil George was awarded the Bobby Thompson Humble Hero of Social Justice award. George’s heart for the students at Broadmoor is on full display in all her work, whether she’s leading culture keeping after school or facilitating poetry workshops in classrooms. Finally, the Kaiya Smith True Blue Senior Award went to Amped Studio student and YALL member Quynn Lewis. Quynn has demonstrated a deep love for the Amped community this year, which he pairs with a practical commitment to problem-solving. Quynn has been an integral member of YALL (the Youth Apprentice Leadership League), always willing to jump in to meet a need even when it means trying something new.
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Following the awards ceremony, the community night attendants chose between two youth-led civic engagement workshops: What is Consent? and Conflict Prevention and Resolution. The workshops were followed by presentations and interactive workshops led by students in the art-engagement groups.
Students in the visual arts group, who worked with teaching artist Celeste Payne, showed off their drawing and digital design work. Jamal Smith led a drawing workshop in which participants practiced drawing a human face.
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Students in the music group, led by Ryan Murray, showcased songs they had written and performed and hosted a jam session.
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Students in the performance group, led by Anna Campbell, reflected on their experience working on a student-drafted play during the semester. They also presented an improv performance in the courtyard.
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In true Amped fashion, the evening ended in reflection. Students shared gratitude for each other and for those who gathered to celebrate their work. Amped supporter Boo Milton reflected on Amped’s history, saying that what was once only a dream has become a reality. “I feel like I’m in the future,” he said. “I’m inside the dream.”
Thank you for living this dream with us! We are so thankful for our dedicated partners at Broadmoor High School, EBRPSS, and throughout the community. Our work with students at Broadmoor High School is only possible because of your support. As we close out this school year, we are looking ahead with gratefulness and joyful anticipation for what’s next.
 | Join us in welcoming the newest member of our Amped staff, Ashanta Gleason. Ashanta, or Ms. G as she's known to the students in Amped Studio After School, may have just joined our staff this semester, but as a Humanities Amped and McKinley Senior High School alumn, her connection to this community runs deep. During her time with Humanities Amped as a student, she developed a passion for civic and community engagement, public speaking, and empowering youth. You may remember her outstanding research and action project from 2019, Bringing Black Male Teachers to Education. |
Ashanta now serves as one of our Alumni Program Leaders who works in our classrooms and the after school Amped Studio, assisting current students reach their goals through the culture and teachings of the program. Ashanta accredits the Amped program as she believes it is a primary factor that inspired her to start a community service organization, Filled with Love Project, that is devoted to connecting and providing assistance to the community, and has motivated her to work with many organizations geared towards the upward development of the youth community in Baton Rouge. She thanks the program for all it has done and for giving her and all of her peers the tools needed to grow beyond high school. In addition to working as an Amped Alumni Program Leader, Ashanta now studies History at Southern University and A&M College.
What do you most enjoy about your role at Humanities Amped, and what are you looking forward to?
I am constantly looking forward to seeing myself in youth that I come across and giving them the exact encouragement I craved when I was in their shoes. The ability to be able to be there and lift them up during their personal, professional, and academic endeavors is what brings me the most joy in my role at Humanities Amped.
I am constantly looking forward to seeing myself in youth that I come across and giving them the exact encouragement I craved when I was in their shoes. The ability to be able to be there and lift them up during their personal, professional, and academic endeavors is what brings me the most joy in my role at Humanities Amped.
Why does the mission of Humanities Amped matter to you?
The mission of Humanities Amped is so valuable to me as it highlights the main things that I recognize that youth are hindered from in “normal” spaces in society. After experiencing this mission as a student of the program, I realize how much of a powerful impact it has on a growing child as it grants experiences that youth may have never witnessed. This empowers students to welcome and accept that radical imagination, beloved community, and healing justice are things that are possible even beyond the walls of Humanities Amped.
The mission of Humanities Amped is so valuable to me as it highlights the main things that I recognize that youth are hindered from in “normal” spaces in society. After experiencing this mission as a student of the program, I realize how much of a powerful impact it has on a growing child as it grants experiences that youth may have never witnessed. This empowers students to welcome and accept that radical imagination, beloved community, and healing justice are things that are possible even beyond the walls of Humanities Amped.
At Humanities Amped, our work to amplify healing justice, radical imagination, and beloved community in public schools and youth organizations is only possible because of your support. You, dear Amped family, are bringing transformative possibilities to life for students in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System.
Because of your support, we are amplifying an ecosystem of hope at Broadmoor High School. As of this school year,
A recent survey of youth in Amped Studio Afterschool shows that 96% feel very supported by the adults in Humanities Amped, and 90% strongly agree that if they have a problem they can go to Humanities Amped for support.
- Amped staff and volunteers support student learning and wellbeing in 21 classrooms, reaching 525 students. Broadmoor students, with an emphasis on English Learners, are able to receive more individual and small group support during class time.
- 41 students have taken part in Amped Studio Afterschool arts and civic engagement activities, where they have been able to work on self-portrait art projects, compose music using digital technology, write original performance pieces, and delve into discussion and action project planning to address social issues that students care about, including ending street violence, healing interpersonal relationships, and addressing sexism.
- 66 students have participated in Amped tutoring and/or college and career planning sessions.
- We have facilitated 58 Amped Community Care conferences, connecting individual youth to wellbeing and restorative resources when they need it most.
A recent survey of youth in Amped Studio Afterschool shows that 96% feel very supported by the adults in Humanities Amped, and 90% strongly agree that if they have a problem they can go to Humanities Amped for support.
When asked what three words they would use to describe Humanities Amped, our students offered inclusive, welcoming, warm, fun, and safe, among other equally powerful descriptors. One student shared with us, “I’ve gotten a lot better at expressing what I feel and not being afraid to ask for help.” Another said that at Amped Studio, “It feels like I'm actually being heard.”
Amped family, thank you for pouring into the youth of Baton Rouge. We are proud to be in this work with you.
Amped family, thank you for pouring into the youth of Baton Rouge. We are proud to be in this work with you.
This week of the #AmplifyHope drive we're celebrating beloved community. Did you follow our beloved community think piece series last year? You can find the whole collection here!
This year, we need your help to spread the word! If you believe in the mission of Amped, we hope you'll help us tell our story. Check out this video about how we center the value of beloved community, and send it on to someone you think should know about us!
We invite you to amplify hope with us by donating at the link below, and by helping us promote this video on social media! Every like, comment, and share helps us expand our reach, so let's #AmplifyHope together!
We invite you to amplify hope with us by donating at the link below, and by helping us promote this video on social media! Every like, comment, and share helps us expand our reach, so let's #AmplifyHope together!
The Amplify Hope Campaign, our yearly fundraising drive, begins today! Our work to empower public school communities and youth organizations to cultivate healing justice, radical imagination, and beloved community is only possible because of our family of supporters.
This year, we need your help to spread the word! If you believe in the mission of Amped, we hope you'll help us tell our story. Check out this video about how we center the value of radical imagination, and send it on to someone you think should know about us!
This year, we need your help to spread the word! If you believe in the mission of Amped, we hope you'll help us tell our story. Check out this video about how we center the value of radical imagination, and send it on to someone you think should know about us!
We invite you to amplify hope with us by donating at the link below, and by helping us promote this video on social media! Every like, comment, and share helps us expand our reach, so let's #AmplifyHope together!
Amped family, we are so pleased to formally introduce you to our two newest program managers: Mr. Zach Williams and Dr. Reva Hines. Both Zach and Reva add incredible value to our team, and we are proud to celebrate them with you!
 | Zach Williams, MAT, is a North Louisiana native and advocate for the inclusion of arts and social justice in education. After receiving his bachelors in Sociology and English from Fisk University and starting a career in social work, Williams quickly saw that more preventative measures can be taken from the angle of education. This prompted him to teach and earn his masters in teaching from RELAY Graduate School of Education with a concentration of ELA instruction to match his passion for reading and writing. A part time poet and prose author, as well as doctoral student with Xavier University of Louisiana, Williams seeks to lead students and fellow educators to success by creative measures and conscious decisions. |
What do you most enjoy about your role at Humanities Amped, and what are you looking forward to?
My role at Humanities Amped allows me to work collaboratively with other educators who are passionate about youth development beyond just academics. I love working with young adults in these critical moments of their socialization, and Humanities Amped allows me to address the whole human that walks into our doors. Our young people are expressive, talented, and intelligent but do not always get to showcase all three aspects. I love that we provide a space for that and that they are developing a loving community with our guidance.
Why does the mission of Humanities Amped matter to you?
The Humanities Amped mission matters to me because the public school system does not always have the resources or capacity to foster the aspects of healing justice, radical imagination, or beloved community. The unfortunate reality is that many students do not feel as though they are truly part of the community they engage with on a daily basis, let alone having the power to heal what ails the community or that they have the power to create a new reality for that community. Since our focus is not individual academics and competition for opportunity, our students can become more well rounded as community leaders who have the capacity to claim their humanity and humanize others.
| Reva Hines, PhD, brings with her two decades of experience as a scholar-advocate. She is an Interdisciplinary Research Leader Cohort I, Alumni and an UNUM Policy Fellow. As a IRL fellow, she has conducted research exploring the links between health and housing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As an UNUM Fellow, she is facilitating workshops around COVID, health inequities, and Burnout. She also holds certification in Narrative Therapy and in Community Storytelling. She is keenly interested in utilizing storytelling as a conduit for empowerment and resiliency among marginalized groups in her community through an equity lens. Her research interests include examining inequities among marginalized populations and the intersectionality of race, gender, and class on a variety of social and policy issues. |  |
What do you most enjoy about your role at Humanities Amped, and what are you looking forward to?
I enjoy being a part of Humanities Amped's learning community which offers a safe and brave space for our youth to be their authentic self all while accentuating their academic, personal, and social-emotional skills through healing and restorative practices. I am looking forward to cultivating and sustaining practices that build our youth to be the next generation of change leaders in our communities.
Why does the mission of Humanities Amped matter to you?
It is important for the youth to have a platform to grow. That's why Humanities Amped matters to me. It allows for just that to happen.
You can catch Zach and Reva facilitating Transform Yourself Studio on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, conferencing with students who need support throughout the day, or offering guidance to students in Dreamkeepers as they navigate their options for after high school.
You can catch Zach and Reva facilitating Transform Yourself Studio on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, conferencing with students who need support throughout the day, or offering guidance to students in Dreamkeepers as they navigate their options for after high school.
Are you looking to support Amped financially? Head to our support page to donate today! We cannot do this work without you.
Are you looking to get involved with Amped? Our call for volunteers is still open!
Amplifying ELA Classrooms is a project that will take place during the Spring 2022 semester at Broadmoor High School and specifically focuses on supporting the English Language Learners who make up 21% of the Broadmoor community. Volunteers will be matched with a Broadmoor teacher and work with them in their classroom throughout the semester on a weekly basis.
You do not need special training to join this initiative, but you do need commitment, a heart for youth, and at least three hours a week that you can volunteer at a consistent time.
Sign up by following the link below! If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Amplifying ELA Classrooms is a project that will take place during the Spring 2022 semester at Broadmoor High School and specifically focuses on supporting the English Language Learners who make up 21% of the Broadmoor community. Volunteers will be matched with a Broadmoor teacher and work with them in their classroom throughout the semester on a weekly basis.
You do not need special training to join this initiative, but you do need commitment, a heart for youth, and at least three hours a week that you can volunteer at a consistent time.
Sign up by following the link below! If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
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