This summer, the YWCA Northcentral PA is hosting a two-week social justice program called ‘Remembering Honor’ for 25 students between sixth and ninth grade.

From June 11-14 and 18-21, students will meet from noon to 3 p.m. at the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St. to expand their knowledge on diversity and how current social issues connect to history. Lunch will be served each day.

Kacie Hopkins, community educator, is excited to engage with teens through lessons, fun activities, and bringing in guest speakers.

Each day they will discuss a different topic that relates to the mission of the YWCA, Hopkins said. They will talk about racism, women in politics, sexism, LGBT equality, immigration, and wellness.

“The goal is to give students a space where they can learn how to be the change they want to see in the world,” she said. “It all starts with understanding people who may be different than you.”

For one lesson they will discuss LGBT equality lead by Spectrum Alliance. They are going to speak about what they do as a group and the importance of treating all people with dignity.

Emily Gale, a former candidate for mayor of Williamsport, plans to discuss her experience being a woman of color in politics and how the students can be good citizens.

There will be two days focused on wellness regarding food and exercise, Hopkins said. In the kitchen, the students will get to learn about food from different cultures to teach them about the importance of diversity. They will also hit the mat for a beginner yoga practice with a local instructor during the second week in the program.

Another aspect of Remembering Honor is to encourage children to read during the summer months. They will all receive six books that relate to the lessons. The books range from “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly and “Being Jazz” by Jazz Jennings to “My Life on a Plate: Recipes from Around the World” by Kelis and “Game Changers” by Lin Manuel Miranda.

To sign up for Remembering Honor, please visit http://www.ywcawilliamsport.org for a permission form that can be filled out online or in paper form then returned to the YWCA. For additional information, contact Hopkins at khopkins@ywcawilliamsport.org or 570-322-4637 ext. 112.