STORIES OF IMPACT | Andrew C.
Creating Opportunities for Black and Brown Students: Why CatRock's Programming is Critical for Success
At Health Opportunities High School in the Bronx, Principal Andrew Clayman faces a difficult decision: selecting only ten students to participate in the CatRock Youth Leadership Academy program. “In my ideal world, all of my students would be able to participate in CatRock's programming,” Principal Clayman says. “Instead of sending only ten kids each year, everyone would get to experience it. It's really tough when my sophomores have had an amazing time and then want to go back in their junior year, but I have to consider giving the opportunity to someone who hasn't had the experience yet. It's a tough decision to make.”
The impact of CatRock's programming on Principal Clayman's students has been profound. Most of his students have limited outdoor exposure, but the CatRock program provides a much-needed outdoor experience, while also offering leadership training and relationship building opportunities. “It's not just about getting kids outdoors; it's about leadership training and relationship building,” Principal Clayman explains. “You have to put your trust in someone else when you're putting a tent together, paddling a canoe, or encouraging each other on the slopes.” He also notes the importance of providing students with the opportunity to work with mentors from different professions and backgrounds.
Through CatRock's programming, students develop conflict resolution skills, which can be a challenge in traditional school settings. Principal Clayman notes that, “Conflicts occur in life, but at CatRock, the frequency of conflicts is much lower and the skills used to navigate the conflict are much more mature.”
CatRock Leadership Alumni form Health Opportunity High School climbing up Jay Peak Mountain 2020
Principal Clayman has also seen the impact that CatRock has had on his students in terms of developing self-confidence and resilience. “When you try something new, like snowboarding, it takes time to learn, but you eventually see yourself progress and realize it's not so different from academics or other skills. This gives students the realization that even if they're not where they want to be, they can get there with hard work. This is incredibly impactful in terms of a young person's long-term prospects.”
CatRock's programming creates a pipeline of program alumni who return to CatRock – either as part-time program staff or seasonal employees to co-lead field activities and mentor current students who come from the same communities as them. Principal Clayman notes that “Students like Ray and Ixza, who work at CatRock as Youth Leadership Academy alumni, were some of my students. So, the CatRock community continues to support itself.”
Principal Clayman believes that CatRock’s programming is critical for his students. “I think of it primarily in terms of opportunities that everyone should have, especially Black and Brown students in the Bronx. They don't have these opportunities due to their zip code. As a school leader, I am trying to create opportunities. CatRock offers much more than just outdoor access. The program provides mentorship and the skills to develop self-assuredness and resilience. These are the kinds of experiences that will stay with students for a lifetime and set them up for success.”