Welcome to SchYPAR
SchYPAR: Student Leadership Meets Systemic Impact
We provide the tools for educators and students to practice Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)—a collaborative approach to addressing school inequities through rigorous inquiry and collective action.
In SchYPAR, research means learning to understand before acting. Students collect and analyze data, reflect on their perspectives, and use what they learn to speak to decision-makers. By shifting from observation to influence, we support students in reclaiming their agency and turning critical consciousness into equitable change. SchYPAR positions youth as leaders and knowledge creators, using research to build critical thinking, advance equity, and turn understanding into action.
New to YPAR?
Watch how we lead students through change.
Resources:
“Do SchYPAR”
"Equipping Leaders. Changing Schools."
Through years of co-design, we’ve built a library of tools to help you move from classroom inquiry to school-wide equity. From lesson plans to our educator Action Team, everything you need to 'Do SchYPAR' is here.
Action Team
The SchYPAR Action Team is a collective of innovative high school educators dedicated to transforming schools through student-led inquiry. Together, we explore how YPAR can dismantle systemic barriers and make learning more engaging, authentic, and deeply supportive of equitable school improvement. Join our community of practice!
Student Voices in Action
Policy Briefs
Student policy briefs show how youth turn their research findings into clear recommendations for school leaders. In these documents, students summarize their data, explain the problem, and propose specific changes.
Northridge HS - Student Empowerment
Presentations
Student presentation slides show how youth organize and communicate their research process and findings. The slides document their research questions, data collection methods, key themes, and proposed actions.
Posters
Student posters highlight how youth translate their research into visual formats that are accessible to peers and community members. The posters summarize key findings and recommendations in concise, public-facing ways.
“YPAR has engaged our students in learning to a depth that we have not seen before.”
— Alonzo F., School Principal