Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The RISE Network seeks to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through our work internally and in partnership with network schools and districts. DEI is integral to our mission, given that we want all students to realize and achieve their full potential, regardless of family income, zip code, race/ethnicity, or any other factors. We are committed to closing long-standing opportunity gaps in Connecticut. These goals require us to think deeply about DEI as an organization and through our work with students, educators, and school partners. We are committed to continued growth and development as a team and with our partners to advance DEI principles as an organization and network.

• RISE aspires to foster diversity by encouraging people with different identities and experiences to contribute to the work of improving student opportunities and outcomes in public high schools in Connecticut.
• RISE aspires to foster inclusion by actively creating a brave space for staff and network partners to speak and act authentically.
• RISE aspires to foster equity by recognizing the unique talents and needs of every student, and personalizing supports and closing opportunity gaps to help all students succeed. We are committed to working together—across schools and districts—to close long-standing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized groups.

This page provides resources compiled by Rickeena Holloway, a RISE Network Facilitator, including tools for educators looking to engage students in conversations about race and racial injustices. These are complex, difficult and necessary conversations, and we encourage you to explore the books, articles, lesson plans, videos and podcasts below. Please share resources with info@ctrise.org, and we will add links to this page.