Ethnic Studies
Youth deserve to learn their own histories, not just that of white, Eurocentric America. Since 2018, ARISE youth and staff – alongside our invaluable partners in OurSchoolsPVD – have been working toward Ethnic Studies in all Providence schools through a multipronged approach of organizing, resource creation, and education.
organizing - Our Schools PVD
OurSchoolsPVD is an intergenerational, multi-racial and youth-centered coalition, comprised of 7 different organizations, campaigning toward the implementation of Ethnic Studies in Providence. It was founded as a response to the state takeover of Providence schools, with the mission of ensuring that the education system is equitable and just. After several months of discussion and research into potential campaigns, youth members chose to pursue the current Ethnic Studies & Anti-Racist Curriculum as OSPVD’s focus.
ARISE is both a founding member and Tier 1 partner in the coalition; our youth are part of the inaugural Youth Leaders Cohort, established in 2022, to lead and steward the ongoing campaign. Aside from ARISE, the coalition is made up of the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), the Rhode Island Urban Debate League (RIUDL), Youth In Action (YIA), Young Voices (YV), RI Center for Justice (CFJ), and the Center for Youth & Community Leadership in Education (CYCLE). CYCLE serves is the host organization for the OSPVD staff organizers. Our Youth Leaders Cohort meet weekly to discuss, plan and strategize the Ethnic Studies campaign.
This campaign would not be possible without the invaluable work of our partner organizations. To read more about the coalition, click here.
Curriculum Work & Education
In addition to our organizing, ARISE has also been writing and teaching Ethnic Studies curriculum, since 2018, through several different avenues. Below is a brief rundown of some of our work. To learn about our Ethnic Studies Summer programs, click here.
ARISE at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School, Spring 2018
PPSD Pilot Curriculum
In Spring 2018 we entered a contract with Providence Public School District (PPSD) to pilot a 6-8 weeks condensed ethnic studies curriculum at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School. ARISE's unit taught the impact of the Vietnam War on Southeast Asians, with a particular focus on Cambodia because of the large Khmer refugee population in Providence. We chose Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School because it is the only school in the district that allows 10th graders to take ethnic studies for a core credit, incentivizing and in some cases simply making it possible for students to take the class.
ARISE teaches at Wheeler, Spring 2023
We conducted pre- and post-tests that show successful learning outcomes for the participants. In the pre-tests, many students indicated that this was their first time taking a course where they were learning about Southeast Asian history and concepts such as imperialism and colonialism, as well as the first time they had the opportunity in class to interact with members from the community. Our post-tests show that over 90% of the students found the course worthwhile in their educational experience; a majority indicated that learning about Southeast Asian history is what they will remember most about the course.
ARISE has continued to teach Southeast Asian history, with a focus on the diaspora in Providence, at partner schools and within our Summer programming.
ARISE youth visit the Tomaquag Museum, Summer 2022
Ethnic Studies Summer Programming
Every year, ARISE provides free Ethnic Studies programs for high school students. For 2 weeks, we study the histories and activism of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian, and Asian communities; explore our own identities; learn about the structural roots of current inequities; and more. Our curriculum centers the voices and experiences of diverse, BIPOC community members, partnered with us in education, so that all youth will see themselves reflected in the classroom.
After our program, 85% of youth reported greater confidence and love for learning. To read more about our Ethnic Studies Summer program, click here.
Hidden Lotus Summer Programming
For our Middle Schoolers, ARISE offers the Hidden Lotus program, which explores Identity Development through the lens of Ethnic Studies. For 2 weeks, we look inwards to the source of our identities, and learning about how they play out in our everyday lives. The approach to identifying ourselves is taken through a holistic lens, shining light on our insecurities, our interpersonal perspective, and our bodies in order to honor, respect, and uplift every aspect of the individual. While simultaneously applying their newfound power to form a better society through connection and resistance.
“Within 2 weeks, I felt more comfortable talking about all these subjects than I ever have before.” - Bubbly, Hidden Lotus Participant (13 years old)
“This program helps people figure out who they are and how their past is special and unique.” - Sam, Hidden Lotus Participant (12 years old)
To learn more about our Hidden Lotus Summer Program, click here.
Free Resources
ARISE has developed several free-to-use guides on the need for critical race theory and the history of systemic, anti-Asian violence. In addition, feel free to check out our related blog posts below!
