GDS Policy and Advocacy Institute

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Launched in 2014, the GDS Policy and Advocacy Institute is a student-led, interactive learning experience, wherein student fellows use their passion towards a subject matter to try to shape the world around them.

 

For four weeks during the summer, high school students learn about pressing social justice issues -- such as homelessness and affordable housing, the immigrant and refugee crisis, gun violence prevention, and the climate crisis -- by meeting with advocates, engaging in conversation with policymakers and building relationships with individuals directly impacted by the issue they are examining. The Institute honors the humanity and dignity of persons impacted by inequity, injustice, and oppression and strives to create a more socially just community and world.

The Policy and Advocacy Institute has been recognized by the Education Advisory Board (2016 Best Practice in Education), and fellows and teachers have presented  their work at national conferences, such as NAIS (2017) and the Private Schools with Public Purpose Conference (2015 and 2018).