Helpline:
800-800-0350
800-800-0350
Educational Equity Program
Our Mission
- We aim to decrease intersectional inequity and increase LGBTQ+ inclusivity in classrooms, schools, districts, and youth organizations.
- We provide support, teach concrete intersectional equity strategies, facilitate self-reflection, and assist with policy changes.
- We encourage youth to develop their leadership skills and to learn that their voices matter.
Program Details
- Trainings for Educators, Educational Leaders, & Youth Service Providers
- MN GSA Leadership Council
- MN Youth Summit for GSAs and Educators
- MN GSA Advisor Network
- Trainings for GSAs/SAGAs
- MN LGBTQ+ Educator Network
Educational Equity means finding what every student needs to be successful - academically, socio-emotionally, and everything-in-between- and getting it for them. The process is complex, dynamic, and on-going: owning flaws and biases, engaging in courageous conversations to challenge prejudice and discrimination, creating environments where students feel safe to share what they need, and breaking down any systems that are creating barriers. Students who feel valued, seen, and celebrated are the ones who will find success.
Minnesota’s Educational Equity gap is one of the worst in the nation. We need to continue to work together so that every student can get what they need.
Contact Us
Kelly D. Holstine
Ophir Gilad
EDUCATORS MUST BE MORE THAN ALLIES
Ted Talk by Kelly D Holstine
OutFront hosts a variety of Support Networks in order to provide support and resources for Minnesotans.
MN LGBTQ+ Educators Network
Our goal is to support and advocate for MN LGBTQ+ educators and their allies. We provide resources, networking, community building opportunities, training, compassion, and empathy.
We understand that isolation, invisibility, and discrimination can impact our mental health and feelings of belonging. We believe that supporting LGBTQ+ educators helps not just educators, but also our students and our school communities.
We have partnered with Education Minnesota and Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP) for this initiative.
MN GSA Advisor Network
This group is for OutFront MN's GSA Advisors and OutFront Staff members to connect, share resources, provide support and make each other's lives easier!
GSAs/SAGAs
Gender Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and Sexuality and Gender Alliances (SAGAs) are school support groups that provide resources, safe spaces, and community building for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.
GSAs/SAGAs are an evidence-based strategy to improve school climate for all students.
OutFront MN's GSA Advisor Network
OutFront MN's GSA Advisor Network is a supportive resource that helps connect GSA/SAGA Advisors across the state to each other and to OutFront Staff members.
Network members will receive e-newsletters, updates, and be invited to trainings and events. We also have a Facebook Group where members can get immediate support and resources from staff and from each other.
Please email ophir@outfront.org if you are interested in starting a GSA, joining our Network, and/or if you have any other questions.
Free GSA Trainings
If you are interested in having an OutFront staff member come to your school and give a free training, please email us at ophir@outfront.org.
Options include:
- Just Getting Started
- Intro to Gender & Transgender Issues
- Beyond the Gender Basics: Intersections of Identity
- Coming Out
- Healthy Relationships
- De-escalation Strategies
- Advocacy 101
- Or let us know if you would like us to create a tailor-made training
GSA Leadership Council
We facilitate a year-long leadership program for a select group of GSA LGBTQ+ student leaders who meet twice a month for:
- Relationship Building
- Skill Development
- LGBTQ+ Issue discussion
- Event Planning
- Coordinating Strategies for the MN GSA Network
- Providing Youth Perspective and Input on OutFront Efforts
The Leadership Council is crucial in the planning and execution of our annual Youth Summit which brings together more than 500 LGBTQ+ and allied students and educators from across the state to collaborate, learn, and take action. At the end of the day students get the opportunity to meet with their state legislators to talk about the issues most important to them.
Youth Summit 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
8am-4pm | Saint Paul College | 235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul
The Youth Summit is a powerful event for students in grades 9-12. This event brings over 500 LGBTQ+ youth and allies together for leadership development, networking, and the chance to speak directly with state legislators about issues that matter to them. You can download an information packet about the day here.
The day begins with an opening ceremony and youth-led workshops. After lunch, participants will march to the Minnesota State Capitol for a rally and the chance to speak directly with their legislators. Learn more about Legislator Visits here.
Adults attend sessions on creating inclusive schools and best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Total cost is $15 per person which includes lunch, materials, and parking vouchers. Scholarships are available for anyone in need.
The registration deadline is February 28th.
*You must register in advance to attend Youth Summit 2020*
Teachers, we encourage you to bring a group of students and colleagues!
Students, sign up with your GSA, friends, or register to come on your own!
Youth Summit workshops are student-led and cover topics such as:
- LGBTQ+ identities and being an ally
- Racial Justice
- Building collective power with LGBTQ+ youth across MN
- Making schools safer for all identities
- Centering youth stories to drive change
Workshop proposals are due March 1st.
Sponsor the Youth Summit
As a sponsor of the Youth Summit, you have an opportunity to table at the event to connect with 600+ high school students and educators in addition to networking with other sponsors and attending a workshop on Supporting BIPOC LGBTQ+ Students.
Volunteer at the Youth Summit!
This event is not possible without the help of our amazing volunteers!
Watch this Video about Last Year's Youth Summit
2020 OutFront Minnesota College Scholarship Fund
The purpose of the OutFront Minnesota College Scholarship Fund is to provide financial assistance to graduating high school students and/or current college students who work toward LGBTQ+ equity and plan on attending an institution of higher learning. This $12,000 scholarship will equal $3,000 per annum paid out over four years. If the recipient attends college for less than four years, the scholarship will be shortened appropriately, e.g., if the recipient attends a two year college, the scholarship will be awarded for two years for a total of $6,000. Annual reviews will be conducted to ensure recipients are maintaining their academic standing and the scholarship may be terminated for failure to do so.
The founder of this scholarship program, Dan Livak, has created this Fund to support LGBTQ+ students with their education. Dan has been on his own since he was 16 years old. He knows how challenging it can be to work full time while still working through school without a support network. This Fund was created to provide some financial assistance to make going to college a little easier.
To apply please fill out the online application: APPLy Online
Download the application as a PDF
For more information, please reach out to Ophir Gilad at ophir@outfront.org