For teachers & counselors
Know a student who wants to fix something?
Doorstop Education runs a free leadership program for high schoolers who want to improve their school. Students pick the issue, a mentor helps them get it done, and they learn self-advocacy and civics along the way.
Who to look for
Good candidates usually fit at least one of these.
The motivated student
Starts clubs, volunteers first, asks why a rule exists instead of just following it. Has energy that the usual activities don’t use up.
You might hear: “Can we start a club for that?”
Students with complaints
Won’t stop talking about the lunch, the bathrooms, the phone policy, or a class they wish existed. That frustration is exactly what this program turns into a project.
You might hear: “Why does nobody fix this?”
The student that peers go to
Classmates bring them their problems: a conflict with a teacher, a fight with a friend, a rule that feels unfair. They are already doing the work of a student leader, without the title.
You might hear: “I told her she should talk to you.”
What they don’t need
Straight A’s. Some of the best candidates are the ones school isn’t working for.
A student government seat or any title.
A plan. Students only need something they want changed.
Your ongoing involvement. Passing it along is the whole ask.
How the program works
Free, always. Students can start any time of year.
The student picks an issue
Curriculum, broken bathrooms, mental health resources, a schoolwide policy, or something of their own.
We pair them with a mentor
A mentor like Ben (Princeton ’24) works with them every week and brings what has worked at other schools.
They see it through
Gathering evidence, finding funding, and making the case to the people who decide. Students learn self-advocacy and civics by doing it.
Students can read more on the program page.
Already done
So far, students have…
Funded badly needed bathroom renovations
Changed the school schedule to accommodate holidays
Gotten new courses added to the curriculum
FAQ
What does it cost?
Nothing, for students or schools. Doorstop Education is a nonprofit.
Who is eligible?
Students at US public and charter high schools, in any grade.
Does it take class time?
No. Students meet with their mentor outside of class.
What if the student can’t commit weekly?
Point them to Student Ambassadors, the same mission at a few hours a month.
Reporting a concern. Rhea Prem is our Trust and Safety liaison. Students, parents, and school staff can reach her at report@fix.school about anything that felt wrong, or send it anonymously without giving a name at all.
One student is enough
Think of one student and send them the link
Plenty of students who’d be great at this never think of themselves as leaders. Hearing it from a teacher is often what gets them to start.
Questions? Email ben@fix.school