2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 28

Community Partner: The Intersection
Peer Mentor: Simon Jackson-Forsberg
Site Supervisor: Kendra Dunbar
What is the Intersection?
The Intersection transforms students from underserved areas
into leaders with the skills to go to and through college, to
engage in civic action, and to articulate and solve challenges
facing themselves and their communities. We provide high
school students with two to three years of leadership training,
academic counseling, college preparatory programming,
emotional and social support, and ongoing college and career
advising.
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Strategized with the Intersection and Banner
Neighborhoods re: YouthWorks site plans
Compiled educational resources around the theme
of Pan-Africanism
Researched colleges in Maryland and the Northeast
to expand a college-readiness resource bank
Assisted with the grant writing process
"After working in West Baltimore at Jubilee Arts/Intersection of Change last summer, I crossed to the other side of the city to work at the Intersection:
my second time around the block with CIIP. I was drawn to the Intersection due to its commitment to supporting the whole student outside of the
classroom, as well as its emphasis on social justice and civic engagement programming that empowers Baltimore youth as agents of change. It is a place
where high school sophomores and city councilmen convene to strategize on problems affecting youth in the city; where fist-clenching censures of the
legacies of capitalism and systemic racism in America are not out of place; and, at long last, where my obsessions about American history might actually
prove practically useful.
Needless to say, I felt immediately at home at the organization in a way I never have as an intern before. As the staff sat down for a community
organizing training from BUILD on day one, it was evident to me that the Intersection invests in all their staff, students, and interns to cultivate better
leaders and listeners. “You’ve got two ears and only one mouth – don’t forget it.” These trainings cemented for me the importance of listening and
vulnerability in engaging communities for social change and helped me to evolve some of my own attitudes towards doing this kind of work. In a similar
vein, the Intersection adheres to a collaborative rather than bureaucratic organizational structure, both internally and in partnering with other
community organizations in the Southeast Baltimore youth collaborative. Yes, my ‘boss’ drives the bus, but she makes herself available and open in a
manner that will exemplify great leadership to me going forward.
I stepped into the summer hoping to resolve my indecision about whether or not to pursue teaching after graduating next spring. The answer to that
question is still at large, but that isn’t to say I haven't gained new insight into passions and interests. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some
incredible educators this summer, and I’ve gleaned that having an impact on kids’ education doesn’t always have to mean working in the classroom. I’m
excited for what the future holds, and I know that I’ll always looks back fondly on the kind and supportive folks I met this summer." -Simon
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