IB students at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Florida, are creating awareness this month for vulnerable young people and foster children experiencing homelessness in their state with “See Us Now.”
When students at Carrollwood, an IB World School learned about foster children living in tents in St. Petersburg, Florida, they decided to act. They founded, “See Us Now,” an organization dedicated to advocating for young people facing homelessness or difficult living conditions.
These student leaders have met with more than 50 U.S. senators and congressional representatives to provide better situations for these foster children. They organized awareness events across the country, inspiring a Congressional hearing on foster care.
By developing the IB learner profile qualities like being principled, open-minded, and caring, they demonstrate the innovative and solution-oriented thinking that defines IB students.
Maintaining their momentum, the students behind “See Us Now” are pursuing a national campaign called “Team Protectors” to launch during Missing and Trafficked Foster Children Awareness Week this September.
They are partnering with organizations like the Safe House Project, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, CASA/GAL, Girl UP, the United Nations Foundation, and more to light up national landmarks in blue—like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls, and LA’s City Hall. In addition, “See Us Now” has attracted support from big names like Paris Hilton's Impact Team, Tiffany Haddish's She Ready Initiative, Patricia Heaton, Dennis Quaid, Fall Out Boy, and cities from coast to coast—just to name a few.
Watch their video to learn more about this student initiative.
