Goal: Explore ways to maximize features of MaiaLearning to better support the unique needs of specific populations.  Create communication channels to share post-high school opportunities available at college and universities, such as support services, summer enrichment and campus visit programs.  Participate in Safe Zone LGBTQ ally and awareness training.

Status: In Progress

Goal: Utilize opportunities we have through participation in campus visits, college articulation meetings, and representative visits to New Trier to specifically and intentionally investigate on-campus BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA supports/programs/groups and gauge overall welcomeness of the climate/culture.  

Seek to further familiarize ourselves with the learning and mental health supports provided on-campus for students to support their post-secondary success.

Continue to build our individual capacity as counselors to support the diverse needs of our students through ongoing participation in DEI-related professional development opportunities.

Status: Complete and ongoing

Goal: To build our capacity as counselors and comfortability as individuals in addressing issues of equity to ensure we are providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for our students.

To investigate, explore and educate ourselves on ways to better counsel students in identifying a quality post-high school “fit” to fulfill their diverse needs as it relates to race, religion, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural identity, etc.

In order to attain this goal we will work as a team and individually through a variety of modalities.  In addition to ongoing information sharing we will devote time to:

• Examine the language we use in our programming

  • What do we want to students to leave a meeting feeling

    • Ally

    • See them as a person

• Investigate colleges with dedicated services, faculty, staff or resource centers focused on supporting populations including but not limited to:

  • African-American, Latino/a, Asian, multi-racial students

  • LGBTQ students

  • Students with learning disabilities

  • Religious centers or supports (Hillel, Muslim Student Association, dining accommodations, etc.)

• Research need-based and merit-based aid opportunities for DACA students

• Compile an online resource list for special populations and affinity groups

• Attend sessions related to equity work when attending conferences.

• Seek out information on resources and support when on campus visits.

• Participate in NT sponsored PD related to topics around equity.  

• Read literature on issues surrounding equity work in professional journals, books, sites, etc.

Status: Complete and ongoing