BOSTON – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) President Mary K. Grant today announced that Shirley Ann Session Edgerton, founder of the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.), will be among six recipients of the 2024 MassArt Common Good Award. Edgerton, a resident of Pittsfield, is being recognized for her visionary leadership in creating mentorship opportunities for young women of color and fostering self-confidence, resilience, and academic success through her innovative program.

“Shirley Ann’s work exemplifies the power of mentorship and its transformative impact,” said President Grant. “Through R.O.P.E., she has created opportunities that help young women thrive and inspire others to do the same. Her dedication to fostering leadership, resilience, and community makes her a true force for good.”

A native of Hemingway, South Carolina, Edgerton grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, where she was mentored by women in her community and at her church. These early influences inspired her lifelong commitment to mentorship and advocacy. After earning her B.A. from Herbert Lehman College and her M.Ed. from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Edgerton moved to Pittsfield, where she has become a vital force for community empowerment.

In 2010, Edgerton founded R.O.P.E., a proven mentoring initiative that celebrates and supports the transition from adolescence to adulthood for young women of color and individuals identifying as female or non-binary. With a focus on self-development, cultural exploration, and academic readiness, R.O.P.E. provides participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive as independent, responsible adults.

The program offers bi-weekly classes on topics such as self-worth, self-esteem, and cultural competence, while emphasizing college preparation through tours, internships, and career exploration. Service-learning and cultural engagement are core components, including bi-annual mission trips to Africa that broaden participants’ horizons and strengthen their sense of global citizenship. The program’s success is evident: R.O.P.E. graduates complete high school, navigate challenges such as teen pregnancy and substance use, and are often the first in their families to attend and graduate from college.

Edgerton also co-founded Youth Alive, a step dance and bucket drum troupe that has helped hundreds of young people develop leadership and team-building skills over its more than 20-year history. The program has been instrumental in fostering cultural pride and academic achievement, with participants engaging in collaborations with institutions such as Williams College and Jacob’s Pillow.

Beyond her direct mentorship programs, Edgerton’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has extended to her role as the first Cultural Proficiency Coach for Pittsfield Public Schools. In this capacity, she facilitated DEI workshops, supported the recruitment of teachers of color, and developed mentoring programs for students. Recognized as a trusted advisor and advocate, she continues to be a vital voice for the Black community in Berkshire County.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including two honorary doctorate degrees from the College of Our Lady of the Elms and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She also received the MassInc Gateway Cities Institute Innovation Award in 2020 for her efforts to increase diversity among educators and the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award from the Berkshire United Way in 2022.

Edgerton will be celebrated alongside five other distinguished honorees, including May Chau (BFA Arts Education ’07, Arts Education), Visual Arts Supervisor for Somerville Public Schools; Toni Elka (BFA Painting ’86), founder of Future Chefs; Yinette Guzman (BFA Architecture ’08), Senior Project Manager of Design and Placemaking at the North Shore Community Development Coalition; Thaddeus Miles, photographer and founder of the Black Joy Initiative; and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman. Each honoree will receive a custom-made, inscribed artwork by Sam Kim, a Lowell-based ceramics artist and MassArt graduate (BFA Industrial Design and Ceramics ’18).

“This year’s Common Good Award recipients reflect the many ways artists can drive societal change, change perspectives, and honor the diversity that helps communities thrive,” said President Grant. “Each of these recipients have demonstrated innovative work in education, community building, and advocacy and stand as a testament to the essential role that creativity plays in shaping our collective future. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the common good.”

The MassArt Common Good Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at noon at MassArt’s Design and Media Center (621 Huntington Avenue, Boston). The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required.

For more information on attending the event or learning about the MassArt Common Good Awards, visit www.massart.edu/massart-common-good-awards.

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About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first public, independent college of art and design. The College is dedicated to fostering the creativity of artists, designers, and educators who will shape communities and culture for the common good.

About MassArt Common Good Awards

The MassArt Common Good Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who use art and design to make a positive impact on society. Honorees demonstrate the essential role of the arts in advocacy, education, and community development, contributing to the quality of life and problem-solving efforts in today’s world.