Pathway Pods: Addressing Inequity Locally with Learning Opportunities

From Edgewater Collective:

Since we began supporting schools through the Jefferson Success Pathway, we have been focused on creating new opportunities through partnerships to address the education inequities in the 80214 area. Now with Jeffco Public Schools starting remotely for the 2020-2021 school year and families with the financial means starting pandemic pods, we have been brainstorming ways to create learning opportunities for families in our schools that don’t have the financial means to create their own pandemic pod. Just like families are brainstorming together how to create pandemic pods, we are reaching out to families enrolled in the Jefferson Area schools about creating free Pathway Pods.

Key Values

• Equity and Justice: At this moment, the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting Latinx families in COVID case numbers, job losses and housing hurdles. Instead of hoarding resources for those with privilege, now is the time to step up, listen to our Latinx parents and create learning opportunities right in the neighborhood.
• Creativity: In disorienting seasons like this, it’s important to try out new ideas and creatively look for solutions. We can quickly learn from what works and what doesn’t.
• Asset-Based: Our Latinx and immigrant communities in 80214 have thriving relational networks and other assets that can be developed and celebrated. Our goal is to equip and provide resources for parents to lead and develop these pods based on their experiences and knowledge.

Why Pathway Pods?

Since the pandemic started, Edgewater Collective has been delivering meals to school families through Mutual Meals and managing Lunch and Learn site in northeast Lakewood. The idea was that because of multiple hurdles, it is best to connect students and families with resources close to where they live.

With Jeffco Public Schools starting remotely at least for the first few weeks, and more than likely beyond that, it is essential that we provide an opportunity for students and families to connect safely in-person.

What are Pathway Pods?

The idea is that Edgewater Collective will work with community partners to organize Pathway Pods at various locations in the 80214 area. These Pathway Pods would be held around lunchtime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. so that a sack lunch could be served for children and families.

An internet hotspot that could handle multiple devices would be set up so that students could access online curriculum. Teachers and tutors would be available to work with students one-on-one or in groups as requested by parents or students.

While students are engaged in learning, various opportunities for parents to connect with each other would be available. Community partners would also have resources, training and encouragement available for parents while their kids learn. Our hope is to work directly with parent leaders and pay them to reach out to parents whose students aren’t engaged in remote learning. These promotoras would be the experts in connecting with parents and sharing resources.

Share Your Input

We would love your input on this idea. Feel free to email Joel Newton (joel@edgewatercollective.org) with your ideas or questions. Over the next few weeks we will be working strategically with parents and community partners to develop this idea. The plan is to create the platform for the pods and then have our Latinx parents create and develop what the pods look like.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.