Striving for Togetherness, Respect, Education, Empowerment, and Mobilization: STREEM
When students complete their Erase the Space exchange, something powerful happens: they don't want it to end. STREEM is their answer—a second-year program where exchange alumni become civic leaders, transforming the connections they've built into action that changes communities. And, students who haven't participated in an exchange and want to be a part of this movement can also join!
What is STREEM?
STREEM began when high school student Jasmine Ameh heard Derek Burtch and Glennon Sweeney speak about Erase the Space to the Columbus Medical Association Foundation's student leadership group. Inspired by what she heard, Jasmine didn't just ask "What's next?" She answered it. She sent Derek and Glennon an elaborate and impressive proposal that would become STREEM, a second-year program extending the Erase the Space experience for students ready to move from dialogue to action.
This student-initiated civic engagement program brings together high school students from different districts who've experienced the power of connection across difference and are ready to lead change.
This student-initiated civic engagement program brings together high school students from different districts who've experienced the power of connection across difference and are ready to lead change.
The STREEM Experience
Monthly Cross-District Gatherings- Students meet monthly throughout the year, building on relationships formed during their exchanges while developing civic leadership skills and engage in collaborative advocacy projects based in their curiosity and passion.
Expert Facilitation & Mentorship- Work with community organizers, policy makers, artists, and activists who guide students in understanding systems and creating change.
Real Civic Action Projects- Move beyond conversation to create tangible impact through collaborative projects addressing issues students identify in their communities.
Youth Leadership Development- Present at conferences, facilitate younger student exchanges, and become recognized voices in youth organizing and civic engagement.
Expert Facilitation & Mentorship- Work with community organizers, policy makers, artists, and activists who guide students in understanding systems and creating change.
Real Civic Action Projects- Move beyond conversation to create tangible impact through collaborative projects addressing issues students identify in their communities.
Youth Leadership Development- Present at conferences, facilitate younger student exchanges, and become recognized voices in youth organizing and civic engagement.
The STREEM Story
When Jasmine Ameh heard Derek Burtch and Glennon Sweeney present about Erase the Space to her leadership group, she saw an opportunity. Rather than waiting for adults to create next steps, Jasmine drafted an elaborate proposal and sent it to Derek and Glennon. Her vision was clear: students who had experienced the power of cross-district connection needed a pathway to turn that understanding into civic action.
That proposal became STREEM—proof that the most powerful educational innovations come from students themselves. Jasmine's initiative secured $19,000 in funding from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and $11,000 from the Columbus Foundation. Jasmine created a model for student-led civic engagement that's now inspiring districts across Ohio.
That proposal became STREEM—proof that the most powerful educational innovations come from students themselves. Jasmine's initiative secured $19,000 in funding from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and $11,000 from the Columbus Foundation. Jasmine created a model for student-led civic engagement that's now inspiring districts across Ohio.
Who can join STREEM?
STREEM is open to high school students who have completed an Erase the Space exchange and are ready to:
- Continue building cross-district relationships
- Tackle systemic issues affecting our community
- Develop skills in organizing, advocacy, and civic leadership
- Commit to monthly meetings and a culminating action project
