Student "Study Circles"

Study Circles help students break through the barriers of stereotypes and prejudice and contribute productively to problem-solving in their communities. Study Circles create a safe environment for discussion of important and difficult issues, expose students to multiple perspectives, create opportunities for friendships across race, socio-economic status, age and geographic barriers, and encourage students to take action to improve their communities.

In the 1998-99 school year, ICP developed and implemented a Study Circles initiative for two Key Clubs supported by the Harrisburg Kiwanis Susquehanna H.S. and John Harris H.S. Students met six times on a weekly basis to share their thoughts and experiences with regards to cultural diversity. In the 1999-2000 school year, these Study Circles were conducted at Northern York High School, John Harris High School of Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township High School, and Susquenita High School.

Help Increase the Peace (HIPP) Student Programs

This is an exciting multi-day student-based program that combines diversity, conflict resolution and problem-solving. Students and teachers receive training to support their work in the school and the community. ICP has worked with the West Shore School District to successfully launch this program, and additional H.I.P.P. programs were held in Northern York Middle School and Rowland and William Penn Middle Schools of Harrisburg. The Northern York H.I.P.P. was sponsored in part by the York Foundation. The Harrisburg H.I.P.P. was sponsored in part by Mellon Bank, Pennsylvania National Insurance, Harsco, and the Patriot News.

Youth Diversity Project

In 2001, the Institute for Cultural Partnership (ICP), in partnership with Common Roads (formerly Bi-Gay-Lesbian Youth Association of Harrisburg), a youth support group, implemented a diversity project that mobilized and developed greater support structures for marginalized at risk youth, ages 14-18, who are LGBTQ or racially/ethnically in the minority.

Entitled Youth Diversity, the project has produced a 45 minute production focused on diversity among our youth. The production, now available on video, promotes tolerance, dialogue, and support for difference. The production was written, produced and performed by gay, lesbian and other youth from the South Central region of Pennsylvania. Participation in this project empowered youth to develop leadership skills as well as improved self-confidence and self-esteem.

The video is being made available to individuals, schools, and community organizations, along with "talk-back" sessions to discuss the production and issues pertaining to youth and diversity.