Engaging with the community: New CCE Initiatives

Under the guidance of Nancy Feidelman and now Jenny Temple, the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is entering an exciting new chapter, driven by students on the Community Engagement Board (CEB). The CEB is laser-focused on supporting initiatives, both old and new, paving the way for engagement within the School’s community and beyond. Whether it’s guiding underclassmen or leading their own projects, students on the board are committed to doing hard work to help the communities around us prosper. As Feidelman has noted, “It is heartening to see how our school community is becoming increasingly committed to community care and civic engagement in all three divisions.” 

Several student-led initiatives have become core parts of the School’s community. Projects like Medical Advocacy, Book Buddies, Achieve Academy, One Prosper, GirlsXMath, and Surfrider continue to thrive, offering consistent opportunities for meaningful engagement. Grateful Gatherings, which brings essential household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, remains a standout, with a lasting impact on both recipients and volunteers.

One unique project is Kale on Wheels (KoW), now in its eighth year. Since 2016, KoW has worked to reduce food waste by collecting unsold produce from Grand Lake and Temescal farmers’ markets and delivering it to the Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program. This initiative feeds over 18,000 people a month, providing fresh produce to families who might otherwise go without. 

What makes this year truly exciting, though, are the new initiatives. Trailblazers is one such project, focusing on fire mitigation in Joaquin Miller Park. With wildfires posing a constant threat in California, students are actively working on the ground to protect natural spaces and make them more resilient. Meanwhile, Teens for Tech, founded by juniors Henry Tatara and Jake Kangas, is expanding from Lamorinda to Oakland, partnering with Serenades for Seniors to bridge the digital divide across generations. As Feidelman remarked, “A few times a week new students come to me with novel ideas of how they hope to contribute to the well-being of society this year.” This project is a perfect reflection of that commitment to intergenerational care.

Another ambitious project is Teens for Civil Discourse (Politics Club), led by junior Shaan Sood. Frustrated with the polarized “soundbites” dominating public discourse, Sood and his peers created a space for students to engage in productive, respectful conversations. As our nation’s political landscape grows more divided, this club serves as a counterbalance, fostering civil dialogue amongst students.

Finally, the Volunteer Income Tax Association (VITA), started by junior Dylan Batra, exemplifies practical engagement. Inspired by his volunteer work last year, Dylan is organizing a group of students to help local residents file their taxes. Through VITA, students will get certified to assist low-income families with their tax returns, providing crucial support to those in need. 

“Our Community Engagement Board this year… has already distinguished themselves with their project leadership and desire to mentor the 9th and 10th graders in this work”, says Feidelman. In many ways, these projects embody the heart of community engagement. By tying personal passion into their experiences, students bring diverse perspectives into our school community. Each new project proves that community engagement isn’t just another activity for a resume — it’s a way of thinking, a way of living, and a great way to give back. This year’s student leaders are truly showing us all how to write the next chapter!