Community & Cultural Advocacy in the Dominican Republic
Spring 2025
Why Ingenuity Year?
The Dominican Republic grapples with profoundly difficult challenges, notably concerning Haitian immigrants, which carry global significance. These challenges affect regional migration, human rights, economic stability, diplomatic relations, and refugee dynamics. Through Ingenuity Year - Community and Cultural Advocacy in the Dominican Republic, students delve into the intricate landscape of community and cultural justice issues, immersing themselves in hands-on engagement. Simultaneously, the program aims to cultivate indispensable life skills, fostering independence and facilitating personal growth among participants.
In this gap year program, students embark on a journey to understand and advocate for the issues facing marginalized communities, particularly in Los Bateyes. Through direct interactions with local residents and immersion in various industries, students gain firsthand insights into the challenges and resilience of these communities. Students gain essential skills for navigating complex social landscapes, enhancing independence, and nurturing maturity.
Dig Deeper into Our Programming
Program Components
Assistive Technologies
Everyone learns differently. Thankfully, technology in the 21st century can cater to almost any style of learning. You will be introduced to a variety of Assistive Technologies (such as Don Johnston, Gleen, and Pomodoro) at the beginning of the program and will find what works best for you. You will learn through seeing, hearing, experiencing, doing, and reflecting.
Independence & Self-Reflection
Many program components, such as the capstone project and coaching, are designed to develop skills leading toward independence and autonomy. Students will also engage in reflective practices throughout the program, such as meditation and mindfulness, to help better understand who they are as a learner and as a human.
Capstone Project
Your leaders will help you identify a project that sparks your joy and connects with the theme of “Community and Cultural Advocacy in the Dominican Republic.” The sky's the limit for this project—it could be an interpretive dance, a blog, a research paper, a video essay, or anything else that engages you. You will work on this project throughout the semester with structured timelines and due dates, developing skills such as project management, organization, follow-through, and determination.
Executive Functioning Coaching
Coaches exist to help YOU. It’s all about you. After an initial consultation, you’ll develop a plan for what you would like to work on over the course of the program. Your coach will introduce a variety of tactics and techniques to play with, and you’ll see what works best. Each approach is individual, as everyone has their own strengths.
Conduct Community & Cultural Advocacy Research
You will be involved in conducting community and cultural advocacy research to directly assist our partner organizations in the Dominican Republic. Through this experience, you will acquire skills in field data collection, practical assessments, and information-gathering techniques. By working with a variety of organizations, you will learn community mapping, participate in health workshops, and be involved in community service events.
Self-Directed Reintegration Planning
As part of the program, there is a team-based approach to plan how a student reintegrates post-gap year. With a structured timeline, each student will be in charge of who is part of their planning team, developing goals and objectives, prioritizing time, and self-reflective opportunities. Your team will hold you accountable and will be with you for support along the way.
Real Challenges in Real Communities
Statelessness & Citizenship Issues
Many individuals in the Bateyes, particularly those of Haitian descent, face issues related to citizenship and statelessness. This has resulted in a large population of stateless individuals who lack access to basic rights and services. Through their exploration of these challenges, students will be empowered to engage in critical analysis and advocacy aimed at promoting the rights and dignity of those affected by citizenship and statelessness issues.
Housing & Infrastructure Challenges
Housing and infrastructure in the Bateyes are often substandard, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and basic services. Living conditions are inadequate, which further exacerbates the challenges residents face. By exploring these conditions firsthand, students will develop a heightened awareness of the intersection between housing, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of communities, preparing them to engage in meaningful advocacy and action.
Healthcare Disparities
Access to healthcare is often inadequate in the Bateyes, leading to poor health outcomes. Residents may not receive proper medical attention, and healthcare facilities may be lacking or distant. By learning about the myriad of challenges these individuals face, students will develop a deeper understanding of the multifaceted barriers to healthcare faced by marginalized communities and equip them with a new global perspective.
Gap Year Program Details
Dates
March 12 -
May 21, 2025
Length
10 Weeks
Cost
$17,500
Group Size
Up to 15 students and 3 program leaders
Ages
17 to 21