Ossining Changemakers Redefine Education Through Outdoor Learning

The Ossining Changemaker program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young Latina students, recently concluded its inaugural edition, providing a transformative outdoor learning experience for a cohort of 12 high school students. The program, organized in collaboration with Open Roads, a leading provider of youth travel programs, offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Utah's Green River.

Led by Open Roads, renowned for its education-based approach to youth travel, the program kicked off with a weeklong summer adventure, including a thrilling 4-day river trip through the awe-inspiring Gates of Lodore Canyon. The immersive experience aimed to provide moments of tranquility for participants, allowing them to engage in journal writing, intentional conversations, and self-reflection, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Principal LaToya Langley expressed enthusiasm for the program's impact on the students, stating, "The Ossining Changemaker program exemplifies our commitment to providing diverse and enriching experiences that empower our students. This immersive journey not only exposed participants to the wonders of nature but also encouraged them to become authors of their own life stories, creating a sense of self-understanding and confidence."

The summer adventure set the stage for a school-sponsored after-school program at Ossining High School, consisting of six sessions. This follow-up initiative allowed participants to delve deeper into the richness of their summer experiences, cultivating their voices, a sense of belonging, and the empowerment to instigate positive change within their community. Students worked with OHS teachers and chaperones, Zaira Barajas and Yoojin Lin on writing and photojournalism to capture their experiences.

Interim Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter commended the program's holistic approach, stating, "The Ossining Changemaker program reflects our commitment to providing education that extends beyond the classroom. By combining large-scale experiential learning with school-centered coursework, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to envision and pursue aspirational goals for themselves and their communities."

The program, made possible through the generous support of Open Roads and a contribution from the Ossining School District, was offered at no cost to students, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

The Ossining Changemaker program will culminate in early December with a public presentation of students' photo essays, showcasing their experiences within the program. Each student will also share a "Declaration of Intent," outlining the positive changes they aspire to bring to their lives or community.