LIGHT is an education initiative that connects K-12 students to community members of all ages through themes within human rights and genocide, like being an upstander, making responsible choices, social and environmental justice, kindness and love, and volunteerism and humility.
Founder Nick Haberman, Dan Shaner, and Lauren Bairnsfather attend a remembrance event with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.
for “Leadership through Innovation in Genocide and Human rights Teaching.”
for school districts to implement, with opportunities for grant support...
to inspire, prepare, and empower students for leadership roles in human rights...
in schools where students collaborate to counter identity-based violence and discrimination...
of students, teachers, and community leaders working together...
Centers are educational hubs where students plan, organize, and carry out LIGHT programming.
“Not only social studies, but all academic disciplines, co-curricular activities, and many organizations outside schools play important roles in educating young people for constitutional democracy and therefore contribute to historical and civic education, broadly conceived.” - Educating for American Democracy
“We originally thought LIGHT was just about the Holocaust. Now we see it’s not only about the Holocaust, but so many more contemporary issues surrounding things like women’s rights, equality, antiracism, multiculturalism, and equity.” - High School Principal, PA
Students attend a remembrance event at Millvale Public Library honoring Indigenous Peoples Day.
"The LIGHT Initiative changed my life! LIGHT showed me there is so much we can do in our community that makes a huge impact and touches people’s lives!"
"The lessons I learned through LIGHT transcended my high school career; I’ve used examples of my work with LIGHT on employment applications as well as academic papers in college."
"Being a part of LIGHT gave me a sense of purpose and pride, and I could watch as my hard work paid off in ways far greater than grades."
It's so important to celebrate and share stories of marginalized individuals from the past and present. They might be from across the world, they might be your teachers or community members, or they might be members of your own family. With SpotLIGHT we're giving you the opportunity to do just that! This series is an easy way for you to become a leader today, lifting-up and celebrating stories of pioneers, innovators, activists, scholars, and all-around positive role models.
