Empowering Change at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy

The students at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy (CSKYWLA), located in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a powerful commitment to their community. This commitment is evident in the way they tackle pressing local issues, such as food insecurity, through innovative projects that blend technology, creativity, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

CSKYWLA is more than just a school—it’s a hub of leadership and empowerment for young women. Our participation in the Ciena Solutions Challenge has amplified our mission by connecting us with an international network of educators who share our passion for real-world problem-solving. Teachers here thrive because they are not just instructors; they are mentors guiding students to become community leaders. This unique environment fosters a sense of pride among students, who love using their skills to create positive change.

Challenge Based Learning has truly transformed our approach to education. By focusing on real-world problems, Challenge Based Learning makes learning more engaging and relevant for our students. The Ciena Solutions Challenge, for instance, provided the perfect platform for our students to address food insecurity in their community. They created public service announcements and worked on community gardening projects, learning valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership along the way.

The idea for our food security project came from recognizing the impact food deserts have on our community. Both teachers and students were eager to make a difference. For teachers, the goal was to bring real-world problem-solving into the classroom. For students, it was about using their voices and creativity to address a critical issue that affects their neighbors.

As the project progressed, we saw our students blossom. They grew more confident in their abilities to collaborate and take action. Their work on the public service announcements and the school garden didn’t just improve their technical skills—it deepened their understanding of social responsibility and their power to effect change.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Keeping all students engaged and finding the necessary resources were hurdles we had to overcome. We did this by tailoring roles within the project to match students’ interests and strengths, and by partnering with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which provided crucial support. The technology and resources from the Ciena Solutions Challenge also played a key role in helping us spread the word about our initiatives and reach a wider audience.

Our next big venture is the creation of a student-led news channel, where our students will report on issues that matter to them, including updates on our food security initiatives.

Challenge Based Learning is at the heart of this project, empowering students to research, plan, and execute their ideas. With the support of the Ciena Solutions Challenge, this news channel is poised to become a powerful platform for student voices.

For schools just starting with Challenge Based Learning, my advice is simple: begin with a real-world issue that resonates with your students and community. Engage students from the outset, allowing them to take ownership of the project. Use resources like those from the Ciena Solutions Challenge to enhance your initiatives. Most importantly, create an environment where students feel empowered to make a difference. This approach will not only enrich their educational experience but also have a lasting impact on the community.

At CSKYWLA, we’ve seen firsthand how Challenge Based Learning can transform students into leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers. It’s a journey we’re proud to be on and one we hope to inspire others to take as well.

• Register for the Ciena Solutions Challenge: Educators can submit student projects through March 6, 2025, and apply for a $3,000 Sustainability Award. Have questions? Email us at cienachallenge@digitalpromise.org.
• Showcase student work at the 2025 YouthMADE Festival: The festival will take place May 5-18, 2025. Sign up for our newsletter at youthmade.org to receive updates about the event.