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
Blaine Kelley
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 kdholstine@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 kdholstine@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 2019
Reconnecting With Our Roots
Thursday, March 21st, 2019
8am-4pm | Saint Paul College | 235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul
Lead or Attend Workshops on:
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Building collective power with LGBTQ+ youth across MN
-
Making schools safer for all identities
-
Centering youth stories to drive change
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A topic of your choice!
The 2019 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. The day begins with an opening ceremony, speakers, and youth-led workshops. Adults will attend sessions on creating inclusive schools and best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ youth. After lunch, participants will head to the State Capitol for lobbying meetings with their legislators.
Total cost is $15 per person which includes lunch, materials, and parking vouchers. Scholarships are available for anyone in need. Last year’s Youth Summit was at capacity so register ASAP to reserve your spot!
Registration deadline is Feb 28th (extended to March 7), with workshop proposals due March 1st.
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!
REGISTER NOW
*You must register in advance to attend Youth Summit 2019*
(A downloadable Registration Packet is available HERE to help you prepare your GSAs)
Thank you to our Youth Summit Community Leader sponsors!
The 2019 Outfront Minnesota Scholarship
The purpose of the OutFront Minnesota Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to graduating high school students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and plan on attending an institution of higher learning. This $12,000 scholarship will equal $3000 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, wanted to create a scholarship to help members of our community advance themselves through education. He started managing
on his own at 16, working full time while also maintaining a full high school and then college curriculum. Having to figure everything out without a support network can be difficult, and this scholarship program was created to help ease some of that stress, through financial aid and mentoring support.
To apply please fill out the online application: APPLY
For more information, please reach out to Junior Avalos at junior@outfront.org