Cincinnati Public Schools

Written By Nia Baucke
 

Centering Teen Voice for Racial Equity

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) serves one of Ohio’s largest and most diverse student populations. When the challenges of 2020 brought racial injustice and educational inequities into sharper focus, CPS partnered with Cohear to ensure the voices of students, parents, and educators were central to crafting meaningful change.

CPS needed to engage its diverse community to address racial equity and improve educational outcomes. Listening to students and parents on such a large scale required trusted facilitation and a thoughtful approach.

Our Approach

Cohear brought together over 225 participants through:

  • 45+ focus groups and working sessions

  • Speak Up Speak Out forums

  • Advisory boards and anti-racism policy discussions

We connected students, parents, teachers, and coaches to create open, honest conversations.

What We Heard

During these many conversations with diverse stakeholders, some common needs for students emerged time and again. 

  • Opportunities to gain life skills that go beyond the classroom, whether that be in the form of entrepreneurship courses, personal finance instruction, guidance applying to trade schools and colleges, or hands-on career exploration opportunities. 

  • A holistic, dynamic, and modern form of Black history education which is not bounded by social studies classes or Black history month. Instead, it should be year round and interwoven into every subject, highlighting the work of Black authors, scientists, and mathematicians.

  • Community building opportunities for students, especially students of color, in the form of peer support groups and mentorship programs.

  • Improved relationships between school staff and students to facilitate trust and better mental health outcomes for those in crisis.

The Impact

Cohear has worked side-by-side with Cincinnati Public Schools leadership to provide strategy advising and implementation guidance regarding everyday expert insights, as well as continually coming back to the community to engage further. This work has been hugely impactful, with results including:

  • Creation and adoptions of a district-wide Anti-Racism policy informed by student voices.

  • “Adulting 101” classes covering personal finance, life skills, and post-high school planning.

  • Curriculum changes to include year-round Black history and representation in all subjects.

  • Speak Up Speak Out forums expanded to all schools, empowering students to advocate for change.

Nia Baucke
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