When Community Shows Up for Students 

CDC research shows that when students feel connected at school, they are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, attend more regularly, and graduate.

The data also show that students most affected by educational inequity, especially Black students, often report lower levels of school connectedness and higher levels of racism or unfair discipline at school. In other words, belonging matters for all students, but it is especially urgent for students who are too often underserved by school systems. 

That is why Connections exists. 

Connections helps students develop leadership skills they can use to strengthen belonging for their peers. Through workshops and meaningful on- and off -campus experiences, students build confidence, practice leadership, and learn how to help other students feel more connected, included, and supported. 

To hear students describe the program in their own words, watch this short 3-minute video about Connections. 

Work like this does not happen on its own. It takes skilled facilitation, thoughtful workshops, and meaningful experiences that give students the chance to practice leadership and build stronger connections. That is where community partnership comes in. 

To help make that possible, we are excited to announce the new Connections Sponsorship Program. 

This program invites local businesses and organizations to help support the experiences at the heart of Connections. Sponsorship is more than financial support. It is a chance to invest in students, support a healthier school culture, and show young people that their community believes in them. 

The impact is real. In our student survey results, 97% reported making new friends, 89% built stronger peer relationships, 98% showed high facilitator engagement, and 84% reported overcoming personal challenges. These results reflect what Connections is designed to do: help students grow as leaders while strengthening relationships and deepening connection across the school community. 

Belonging does not happen by accident.

It grows through relationships, shared experiences, and a community that shows up for students. We’re excited to invite partners who want to be part of it. 

To learn more about upcoming sponsorship opportunities, please complete this short request form.