PlanNEXT
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DUSP’s collective of K-12 Initiatives, PlanNEXT, provides an opportunity to engage in communities, co-create knowledge, and spark interest in the next generation of urban planners and civic leaders.
Overview
The Department of Urban Studies and Planning is committed to the teaching and continued learning of spatial justice through reciprocal community partnerships. Learning extends beyond the lecture hall, bringing faculty and students into relationships with young people and communities where knowledge is shared in both directions. These initiatives, led by DUSP faculty, create opportunities to teach planning principles while also learning from the people and places they engage with.
Some examples of this work include:
Prof. Anne Spirn’s work with an 8th Grade history class at the Locke School in West Philadelphia, building from her decades of work there;
Sr. Lecturer Cherie Abbanat’s emerging work with high schoolers in New York City, paired with MIT UGs and with the Warren Prescott Elementary School in Charlestown, Boston;
Prof. Holly Harriel’s “Dream Your City” workshop for 7-10 year-old “future planners” and initiative to introduce AI to youth;
Prof. Chris Zegras’ work with a group of MIT students in developing a Youth Participatory Action Research project in partnership with the Vigorous Youth – an afterschool, out-of-school Program for high schoolers run by the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition.
