All successful leaders can point back to someone in their
life who helped them get where they are
Maybe it was a teacher in elementary school who inspired big
dreams, a friend who reached out in a time of dire need, a workplace mentor who
empowered a paradigm shift, or even a good samaritan who appeared out of the
blue to help avert disaster.
The idea that mentorship and outreach make a difference in
the future lives of marginalized youth is at the core of a new effort
undertaken by a student-run organization called the Hardrocker Ally
Association.
The group, formed by Mines athletes and students, is a
volunteer effort aimed at community outreach, networking, and advocacy. The
Hardrocker Ally Association also helps Mines meet industry demand for
well-rounded individuals who thrive in multidisciplinary teams required for
success in the modern global marketplace.
Building Relationships
Hardrocker Ally Association was formed in the Fall of 2020,
following the nationwide protests around the killing of George Floyd. In the
midst of this controversy, the group saw a need to create understanding, not only
on campus, but in the Rapid City community. They reached out to leadership at
the Rapid City Police Department (RCPD) to open dialogue. The subsequent
meetings with the RCPD were illuminating for all involved. This video captures the story best.
“When the students and the school wanted to reach out and
have a genuine conversation, I thought, what better opportunity to connect with
some folks in our community that have good hearts and really want to make a
difference,” says Don Hedrick, Rapid City police chief.
“We learned that, when you can get people in a room, when
you can get people together, you can have great dialogue, you can have great
conversations, and you can begin to build a middle ground,” says Kyante
Christian, Mines senior and one of the founding members of the Hardrocker Ally
Association. Learn more about Kyante
here.
“The police, we can’t solve these issues in our community on
our own; we need help from the community, and to do that, we need trust from
the community, and the only way to build that trust is to have a relationship,”
says Tim Doyle (ChE 94) lieutenant with the RCPD.
The dialogue and networking between students and police
officers opened doors for new community collaborations. With the assistance of
BayLee Dansby, the youth and family navigator at RCPD, members of the
Hardrocker Ally Association began an outreach effort alongside police officers
with a group of at-risk youth in Rapid City.
“I think everybody needs to realize that we’re all working
on the same goal,” says Dansby. “The sooner we start working together to
achieve that goal, the better outcome we will have.”
The association is also undertaking a new effort to help
homeless individuals in the community. In the spring of 2022, the group joined
with Mines football players to put together 150 paper bags with snacks and
hygiene items for distribution to those most in need in Rapid City.
Becoming Mentors
In the 2021-2022 school year, the Hardrocker Ally
Association evolved from dialogue to include community action. The group joined
with the Rapid City Police Department in a special youth outreach program aimed
at changing the trajectory of marginalized young people in Rapid City.
“By having conversations on campus and partnering with the
Rapid City Police Department and their youth outreach team, we’re making sure
we’re in the community advocating for those who can’t until they have the
ability do so for themselves,” says Christian.
The group established a tutoring program to assist youth
with their studies. They also began unique mentorship opportunities like a
cooking class and social time with young people. They also continued their
ongoing dialogue with the RCPD and began a ride along program that allowed
students a first-hand look at the life of a police officer. Mines football
players also joined a flag football program with young people at North Middle
School established by the RCPD. The youth also attended a spring scrimmage game
at O’Harra Stadium as special guests.
“Relationships are really important. When you see people
from communities like yours, and they are successful and they are making it
work, that gives you the confidence to make that leap of faith to take on the challenge
of an engineering school and get a degree. There are a lot of opportunities to
get into the community and do things with the kids and the RCPD, you just need
to go find them,” says Christian.
“Being more engaged with the community and with the kids has
been a tremendous learning opportunity for us at Mines.”
In the coming year, the association is working on a new
outreach program for homeless members of the community. For students at Mines,
the group plans to bring in representatives from top companies from the state
and nation to talk about the needs of the current workplace and the types of
STEM professionals they are looking to hire. Christian says this process can
help illuminate the need to graduate students who can thrive in the current global
marketplace.
“The best thing you can do for your legacy is leave a place
better than you found it,” says Christian. “The Hardrocker Ally Association is
going to be a platform for people to help shape our community for the better.”