The Southern Initiative Algebra Project (SIAP) held a Saturday youth leadership workshop on September 8, 2018 at Dillard University for Dillard and Xavier University youth leaders. The purpose of this workshop was to prepare youth for their roles as mathematics tutors in the schools in which SIAP is working with teachers. Participants made fraction kits and explored how to use these models to help students develop conceptual understanding of fractions and alleviate their issues with fractions. A discussion on last year’s tutoring experiences preceded the assignment of youth tutoring placements based on the classroom teachers’ needs, youths’ availability and the grade levels and schools youth preferred based on access. Then, youth participants worked on tape diagram models for problems; tape diagrams are a mainstay of the Eureka Curriculum used in the local schools. Finally, these participants shared their Community Action Plans that they developed at the 2-week intensive Youth Leadership Development Institute in May 2018 at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Next steps were discussed for implementing their plans.

Twenty-four (24) youth participants from Dillard University and Xavier University Louisiana attended the workshop. Workshop trainers included Jessie Cooper-Gibbs and Staffas Broussard. Dr. Nia Haydel, Director, Academic Center for Excellence & Honors Program at Dillard University attended the workshop as well.