Undergraduate Named Student Worker of the Year
School of Education and Social Policy senior Timothy Huff was named a Northwestern University Student Employee of the Year in Community and Belonging for his leadership work with Black Men LEAD, a mentoring program at Evanston Township High School.
Huff, from San Antonio, Texas, was a key member of the program, which was formed in collaboration with the Northwestern/ETHS Partnership Office to help Black men develop leadership skills, build strong connections, and embrace their identities.
In addition to gathering volunteers for education outreach events, supporting the principal of a new elementary school in Evanston, documenting the program's impact and writing grants, Huff worked to turn other people's ideas into reality.
When an undergraduate peer suggested they put on a "MasterChef" type event, he helped create a night where high school, undergraduate, and graduate students came together to cook, celebrating culture and pushing back on male stereotypes while having fun trying to prove who could make the best dish, said Kristen Perkins, former director of the Northwestern/ETHS Partnership Office, who worked with Huff for three years.
"He was dependable and consistent, always showing up to assist and lead where needed, whether leading activities around campus for third-graders visiting as part of our Learn, Imagine Through Theater collaboration, or assisting the principal to organize family engagement at the new school," Perkins said. "He empowered both undergrads and high school students to really take ownership of Black Men LEAD."
Huff found the Black Men LEAD program as a freshman when he and some friends were invited to help at a STEM event for elementary-age students who mostly lived in Evanston's historically Black 5th Ward.
"It was my first time volunteering while at Northwestern, and my first time really engaging with the Evanston community," he said. "It gave me a sense of belonging here, and I knew I wanted to do more with the organization in the future."
He especially liked the intergenerational aspect, which brought together Black men ranging from high schoolers to Ph.D. students. "It allows folks to see the wide variety of paths available to them and learn about all the different things people like them are doing and have done," he said. "It helps people see both the challenges and pride we have in common."
Huff said that winning the award for efforts in community and belonging was especially meaningful following the repeal of affirmative action and the recent crackdown on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
"Educational spaces have become much more difficult for marginalized students to navigate in the past few years, and organizations like Black Men LEAD have only become more important," he said. The award "reaffirms my belief that the work we do is necessary, and that it can persist even as it is attacked."
Huff, who is studying social policy, was recognized in conjunction with National Student Employment Week.