Student leaders from the John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways (JLSLP) recently took part in John Lewis Read for the Dream Day at nearby Centennial Academy. Committed to civic engagement, JLSLP leaders inspired the K-8 students through interactive activities and discussions that honored the late civil rights leader’s legacy. The initiative emphasized literacy as a tool for empowerment, encouraging young students to embrace social justice and leadership values championed by John Lewis. 

Throughout the day, JLSLP leaders nurtured a love for literacy by reading to the young students and even introduced them to the world of engineering through an engaging STEM presentation, sparking curiosity about future career paths. To encourage creativity and goal setting, leaders guided students in creating vision boards to help visualize their dreams and aspirations. In celebration of Black History Month, JLSLP leaders also facilitated discussions and activities that highlighted the achievements of Black leaders and innovators, ensuring that students see themselves reflected in stories of excellence. 

Adding to the impact, Mariah Liggins, program director for JLSLP, led a motivational presentation on civic engagement, demonstrating how students, no matter their age, can take an active role in their communities. “Our Pathways leaders not only shared knowledge but also served as role models, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and ambition in the young students they mentored,” Liggins said, reflecting on the significance of the day. “The Center for Student Engagement is incredibly proud of our John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways Scholars for their dedication to service, leadership, and community empowerment. Their commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders exemplifies the power of civic engagement and the lasting difference that mentorship can make in young minds.” 

This meaningful day was made possible through collaboration with Horizons at Georgia Tech, Georgia Tech's Society of Black Engineers, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., whose support helped bring these experiences to life for the students. If your organization is interested in partnering with us on future initiatives or if you’re a student looking to get involved with the Pathways program, visit johnlewis.students.gatech.edu to learn more.