Humanities Amped

Amplified Classrooms- Tara High School students experience a pathway of Humanities Amped-supported classes from 9th-11th grade 12th grade will begin in Fall 2025 including the following three initiatives: Freshman Seminar- A full-time Humanities Amped Educator partners with a THS teacher in six sessions of Freshman Seminar a year-long course for all THS 9th Graders. Through this course 125+ 9th graders gain soft skills for academic success including collaboration problem-solving communication and critical thinking. They gain confidence in themselves through writing and publishing children's books about overcoming a challenge which they then share through a family literacy night and a book tour in nearby elementary schools. Amped Dual-Enrollment Humanities Pathway- Rising 10th graders are recruited from Freshman Seminar to join the Amped DE pathway. Students in this pathway take six humanities dual enrollment courses between the 10th and 12th grades that are supported by Humanities Amped educators. In addition to BRCC college credits the students gain critical reading writing and discussion skills that enhance college readiness and participate in project-based learning opportunities. 40+ students participate in each grade-level cohort totaling 80+ students in the 24-25 academic year and 120 students thereafter 12th grade will begin in Fall 2025. Adelante Volunteers- Each semester 25+ bilingual volunteers are trained to work in THS classrooms to support the unique needs of English language learners. THS has one of the highest rates of English language learners in the district and the Adelante volunteers provide critical academic and social support services helping all students feel welcome and obtain an education. Amped also provides educator development for teachers hosting Adelante volunteers.

Amped Community Care- Tara High School students and especially those in Amplified classrooms have access to several supplemental resources to improve well-being outcomes. These include: Matters of the Mind- Skills-based groups for students who are identified by faculty as needing additional support to develop the skills needed for emotional regulation self-awareness and personal and interpersonal well-being. Led by a licensed clinical social worker these groups provide a sub-set of high-needs students with critical tools to cope with life's challenges in a healthy way. Emergent Community Needs- Amped provides responsive resource coordination and support for pressing needs that emerge from THS. For example food insecurity was identified as a major issue for THS's immigrant families and so we helped bring a Food Pantry to the school. We believe in working responsively to truly partner with the school community so that young people and their families can thrive.

Amped Studio is an after school program at Tara High School run by Humanities Amped. Youth engage in arts-based civic engagement projects. They explore the questions Who am I and What do I want for my community through visual arts performance and music. The program served 10 students and resulted in 10 civic engagement projects.