Educational Support Services hosts Elevating Student Voices facilitator training

Capital Region BOCES Educational Support Services welcomed high school students from across the region for the fifth annual Elevating Student Voices (ESV) facilitator training on Friday, Oct. 2. The training was led by Dr. Eva Jones, ESV program co-creator and consultant.

A diverse group of students talk about discussion agreements for the Elevating Student Voices program.

Student facilitators lead breakout group discussions during the ESV sessions that will commence at Capital Region BOCES later this month. The training prepares students for that role, allowing them to think about their own communication styles and workshop discussion agreements that will support a healthy dialogue amongst participants.

“With a partner, I want you to think about which one is most powerful to you and which one is most difficult for you,” said Jones to students as she encouraged them to reflect on the discussion agreements together. “Which ones do you think others struggle with and are there any we should add?”

Students talk about the discussion agreements for the Elevating Student Voices program at Capital Region BOCES.

ESV brings together students from diverse backgrounds to discuss critical issues and encourages them to promote diversity and inclusion within their communities. ESV participants will be at back at Capital Region BOCES on Oct. 29 for the first of three sessions. The program will culminate in a Youth Summit on April 28, 2027 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, where students will showcase their school projects and meet with other student and community leaders.