Student empowerment refers to the process of enabling students to take control of their own learning and development. It involves including them in decision-making, thinking critically, and problem-solving. It also includes building their confidence, giving them access to resources, and creating a supportive environment.

Our goals in this initiative are to:

• Increase opportunities to uplift youth voice

• Increase opportunities for student leadership

• Increase Opportunities for Staff Development Around Youth Voice and Student Leadership

Student School Board is an organization for high school students who are willing to represent and empower the student voice of Rochester’s Public Schools’ students.

• Student School Board Representatives: Ten selected students from each school will attend the monthly meetings at the Edison building.

• Student School Board Advisory Committee: These students will be invited to a school-based advisory committee (at school site) to help organize listening sessions and may serve as substitutes. This group of students will meet at their site. 

• Ninth Graders: Are encouraged to attend listening sessions at their schools as part of the Advisory Committee to get involved.

The charge of Student School Board is to empower students to: 

• Share information and gather student feedback on District issues, communicate insights to leadership, and build leadership, problem-solving, and networking skills with peers across schools.

• Learn about the School Board’s governance role and responsibilities, ask questions, and serve as liaisons between their school’s student body, the School Board, and the District.

In action, the Student School Board recently provided valuable insight into how the high school registration process works for students and families. This feedback received by district administration offers additional perspective into areas of success or improvement. Instead of just a digital survey, students can share their opinions in a tangible way by ask district leaders questions, make suggestions, and offer ideas that can improve their school registration for themselves and other students.