Providence Student Union

Our Mission

Providence Student Union builds student power to improve our education and well-being. We envision a true union for students that increases young peoples collective power and ensures our frustrations, demands, and dreams are heard. At PSU, young people grow as leaders, organizers, and advocates for justice in all forms, today and throughout their lives.

Our History

Providence Student Union formed in early 2010, when students from Hope High School joined together to defend their schools popular block schedule. These young leaders formed PSUs first chapterHope Unitedand embarked on a series of campaigns to improve their school. Soon afterward, the group began organizing chapters in additional high schools across Providence, all working together to advance student rights and win an education system that treats students with dignity and respect.

Campaigns: PSU runs youth-led campaigns to advance educational justice and improve students well-being. Our major long-term campaigns include Counselors Not Cops, Student Bill of Rights (SBOR), and civic education. Due to member concerns after recent developments in Providence, we are supporting the Save RIPTA campaign and the Save 360 campaign last school year. The Save RIPTA campaign is focused on addressing the budget shortfall for our states public transportation system that Providence students rely on. The long-term goal is to expand access to high-quality public transit. The Save 360 campaign is a student-led response to PPSDs plans to close the tight-knit 360 High School and displace their teachers.

Well-Being Aid: Through the Well-Being Aid (WBA) program, PSU provides mutual aid support for Providence high school students experiencing financial challenges and prevents potentially avoidable crises from spiraling out of control. Our youth-led WBA task force manages the application process for the WBA fund and coordinates other mutual aid projects, including an annual back-to-school supply drive.

Educational Programming: We offer a wide array of educational programs to support leadership development, organizing strategy, and creative expression. We typically hold fun, welcoming open house events and introductory workshops at the beginning of the year. As the school year gets underway, we offer interactive educational programs on specific campaigns, organizing skills, social justice issues, and more. The youth-led Art & Communications task force focuses on art builds, design projects, and other creative ways to amplify student voices.

Wellness Programming: We are in the process of launching a wellness program for youth organizers that encompasses mental health support, restorative justice, mindfulness, and movement. Our youth leaders conduct workshops on wellness and coping strategies, and we have been working with a consultant to develop a more comprehensive wellness program based on youth input.