HIP CORP UNITED AND HIP EFI initiative:
Hip Corp United is a group of high-achieving high school students from the Greater Hazleton area tasked with critically examining food insecurity and social justice issues in our region. To-date, there are two groups of 16 students each, with plans to add another cohort summer/fall.
The students are provided theory, guidance and the latest technological tools to assist them in creating pragmatic solutions to real-world problems in a student-led learning format. Issues include:
Food Distribution Center HIP Corp United students are researching materials, designing and pitching project management processes on how to redesign HIP’s weekly food distribution. A nearby pavilion needs to be retrofitted to accommodate year-round usage. Currently HIP provides perishable and non-perishable goods weekly to over 300 families. The goal is to double that number in the next 18-months.
Untold Stories Documentaries Hip Corp United students have been asked to adopt “student reporter/investigator” formats to interview people about their personal challenges. Subjects include food insecurity, inequity, discrimination, and prejudice. Their answers will be included anonymously in a short documentary film which will be shared with the community. These documentaries will serve as the foundation for engagement to spark a larger dialogue about these timely issues.
Van Project Brand design and advertising principles, as well as production methods, are being investigated in the “Van Wrap” project. HIP was recently awarded a grant to purchase two vans. Hip Corp United students are pitching their visual ideas that will be integrated in each van wrap.
Students have experienced presentations from professionals in the fields of these projects. The students are equipped with iPads, and have daily access to laptops, 3d printers, and educational technologically sound furniture from our friends at MUZO. Additional technological tools will be available as the program evolves. HIP Corp United students meet bi-weekly with weekly workshop offerings as well.
