Applied Studies: Social Transformations—Oakland (STOak)
STOak is a community-based experiential learning course that features a unique summer internship that focuses on social or environmental justice. STOak is hands-on and project-based, with a mix of structured course work, field trips, group discussions, and independent research. Students engage with Oakland’s past and present through a lens of indigenous history, social justice movements, and community development. Students research the social, political, and economic landscape of their individual focus topic while learning the professional conduct they will practice in their summer internships at community-based organizations.
During the internship, students are paired with mentors to learn how their organization operates and to support its mission. The program concludes in the fall when students share their experiences with one another and prepare a formal presentation for the College Prep community. Students emerge from STOak well versed in local history and current events, with concrete professional experience, tremendous leadership skills, and the confidence to understand how they can positively impact their community.
Past STOak research topics and community partners include:
- Acta Non Verba: A youth-oriented urban farm and education organization addressing food deserts in East Oakland
- Communities United for Restorative Justice (CURYJ): a nonprofit that teaches culturally rooted healing practices that works toward ending youth criminalization and mass incarceration.
- East Bay Sanctuary Covenant: Supporting asylum seekers and refugees in their application process
to the US - MISSSEY: A nonprofit working to prevent and holistically address the sexual exploitation of girls and gender-expansive youth
- Oakland Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement: Working to support community initiatives
- Office of the Inspector General for Policy Oversight: City of Oakland civilian oversight body ensuring Oakland Police Department compliance with
reform measures - Pacific ADA Center: Leads trainings, offers legal aid work, and conducts policy work in an effort to move towards disability justice
- REAP Center: Focuses on climate science, including permaculture and regenerative soil practices
- Urban Strategies Council: Research and advocacy, especially in criminal justice reform
- West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project: Grassroots organization advocating for environmental justice in West Oakland utilizing research, community outreach, and local government collaborations
- Youth Spirit Artworks: Therapeutic art, mental health care, empowerment, and housing support for transitional aged and unhoused youth
.png){kind=logo}
mens conscia recti
una mente consciente de lo que es correcto