Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 7.08 Education and Youth Issues
Presentation #1 Title
Place-Based Experiential Learning and the High Rocks Teaching Model
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This presentation will illustrate ways of addressing the emotional and educational needs of children growing up in rural Appalachia, namely through the successes and challenges of High Rocks Educational Corporation’s involvement with teenage girls and community members. Founded in 1996 and based in Pocahontas County, High Rocks’ mission is to educate, empower, and inspire the young women of West Virginia. The organization has worked to fulfill this mission through various approaches over the years, including service learning, college access, residential summer camps, involvement in the local school system, community outreach, and weekly after-school opportunities. Presenters will include several High Rocks girls who can speak to the current educational needs of West Virginia youth. Through highlighting High Rocks pedagogical methods, the presentation will explore the paramount question of how to address the changing landscape of education and learning in the region and across the country, showcase community involvement and youth advocacy as a vital component of personal and educational growth, and provide Appalachian youth with the tools necessary to succeed in their schools, homes, communities, and beyond.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
After graduating from the county high school and graduating from Harvard University, Sarah returned to West Virginia to help found the High Rocks, where she has been working for the last 15 years. Sarah is dedicated to improving opportunity and access for young people and is a classic social entrepreneur in the region, growing High Rocks from a start-up to a $700,000 per year non-profit organization.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
After receiving her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Margaret moved to West Virginia to work on community development in the Appalachian region. She is currently the Lead Program Coordinator at High Rocks, where she serves as coordinator of year-round educational and service learning, college access, admission and recruitment, college volunteer crews and intern recruitment and management.
Place-Based Experiential Learning and the High Rocks Teaching Model
Corbly Hall 465
This presentation will illustrate ways of addressing the emotional and educational needs of children growing up in rural Appalachia, namely through the successes and challenges of High Rocks Educational Corporation’s involvement with teenage girls and community members. Founded in 1996 and based in Pocahontas County, High Rocks’ mission is to educate, empower, and inspire the young women of West Virginia. The organization has worked to fulfill this mission through various approaches over the years, including service learning, college access, residential summer camps, involvement in the local school system, community outreach, and weekly after-school opportunities. Presenters will include several High Rocks girls who can speak to the current educational needs of West Virginia youth. Through highlighting High Rocks pedagogical methods, the presentation will explore the paramount question of how to address the changing landscape of education and learning in the region and across the country, showcase community involvement and youth advocacy as a vital component of personal and educational growth, and provide Appalachian youth with the tools necessary to succeed in their schools, homes, communities, and beyond.
