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The Urgent Need for Special Education Support Following the Dismantling of the Office of Special Education Read Original Article https://afro.com/special-education-office-dismantled/

In 2025, the Office of Special Education in Washington, D.C., which provided crucial support to students with disabilities, was dismantled. This decision left countless students without coordinated services, guidance, and advocacy within the school system. For students already navigating complex learning and behavioral challenges, the loss of this office created a void that schools have struggled to fill. Underserved communities, in particular, are feeling the impact most acu

Nov 93 min read

Where’s the Class for Grief? Why Schools Must Make Healing Mandatory Kanika Cousine Read the original article on Afro https://afro.com/wheres-the-class-for-grief-why-schools-must-make-healing-mandator

Schools Treat Therapy Like an Add-On In many schools, mental health is treated as an optional extra rather than a core necessity. A single school counselor might be assigned to 400 students or more. In some schools, there is no dedicated mental health staff at all. This is especially true in underserved communities, where schools are underfunded, resources are scarce, and students face higher rates of poverty, violence, and systemic neglect. The message is clear: you matter,

Nov 92 min read

Opportunity Interrupted: The Crisis of Job Corps Suspension and the Need for Community-Rooted Support Author: Kanika Cousine Original Article: https://afro.com/opportunity-interrupted-the-crisis-of-jo

In May 2025, the sudden suspension of all 121 Job Corps centers across the United States left over 25,000 low-income youth without access to essential vocational training and support services. This abrupt decision disrupted the lives of many young people, especially those coming from unstable backgrounds who relied heavily on these programs for guidance, education, and stability. The closure exposed a critical gap in how we support vulnerable youth and highlighted the need fo

Nov 93 min read

Empowering Young Voices: The Key to Youth By Kanika Cousine Originally Published on Afro News as “Youth are ready to lead—let’s listen”Read the original article here https://afro.com/empowering-youth

Young people between the ages of 14 and 24 often face a common challenge: their voices are overlooked or dismissed in decisions that affect their lives and communities. This lack of recognition can lead to frustration, disengagement, and missed opportunities for growth. Yet, when young people are given the chance to lead, they bring fresh ideas, energy, and a unique perspective that can drive meaningful change. Supporting youth leadership is not just about giving responsibili

Nov 94 min read