Connections
and
Building Belonging Through Activities
Led by Students For Students
Connections empowers students to lead activities that bring diverse groups together, building a stronger sense of belonging across the school. This grassroots approach allows students to drive lasting change.
To truly address belonging, the whole school culture needs to change—it won’t work to focus only on individuals or specific groups. When everyone feels included, it builds respect, understanding, and a positive community for all.
STUDENTS – MAKE FRIENDS, HAVE FUN, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SEMESTER 2 Connections Crew:
Earn 60 Service Hours supporting your peers!
Thanks for your interest in applying for the Connections Program!
This cohort program will be for SEMESTER II of this school year (2024-2025) and SEMESTER I (2025-2026) of the next school year.
APPLY by completing this form in FULL
APPLY by completing this form in FULL.
Program Requirements
Please review the following attendance requirements below before applying. CREW members earn 60 Service Learning Credit Hours upon completion of the 1 year program. You must be in 9, 10th or 11th grade to apply.
REQUIREMENTS: Semester II, 2024-2025
- One weekly afterschool workshop/group activity
- Garfield students: Tuesdays 4pm-6pm
- Roosevelt students: Thursdays 4pm-6pm
- Once a month afterschool field trip on Wednesdays 3:00pm-6pm.
- 2-3 days per Winter and 2-3 days per Spring Break for field trips
REQUIREMENTS: Semester I, 2025-2026
- Plan and facilitate up to 4 student led activities (funded) with a diverse group of 12-20 school peers.
- Activities are planned as a team (Crew).
- You will also need to meet on a regular basis with your crew to plan.
Hurry as there are only 14 Crew member spaces available and applications are open till mid January 2025! Successful Crew members will be informed by mid-late January.
*Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Amber Inwood, RARE Connections Youth Engagement Coordinator [email protected]
Connections In A Nutshell
Connections is a 1-year program (Academic year) that supports students in shaping a more inclusive and connected school community. Together, a diverse group of 14 dedicated students (Crew members) plan and facilitate activities for other students that promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging in their schools. Crew members develop leadership skills, make new friends, and leave a lasting impact on their school community.
The Connections Program Has Two Stages: LEARNING & DOING
During the first semester of the program (starting Semester 2 for this cohort), students learn about belonging, leadership, teamwork, allyship and antiracism through interactive workshops and field trip experiences. Then in Semester 2 they plan and execute inclusive activities for their peers.
PARENTS – HELP YOUR CHILD THRIVE IN A DIVERSE AND CONNECTED WORLD
Why Connections Matters
Connections helps your child develop essential skills to navigate and succeed in today’s diverse world. Through leading activities, they’ll enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication while fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging.
How You Can Help
- Refer students who are passionate about community building and leadership.
- Stay engaged by discussing their experiences, encouraging leadership, and supporting their growth.
For more information, contact us.
TEACHERS & STAFF – CONNECT STUDENTS PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING IMPACT WITH RESOURCES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Student-Led Activities for a Stronger School Community
Connections empowers students to plan and lead activities that bring together diverse peers, helping to build a stronger sense of belonging and foster racial equity. By supporting these grassroots, student-led initiatives, teachers and staff can help create a more inclusive environment.
How You Can Play a Part
- Identify and recruit students who are passionate about community building and leadership.
- Support student-led activities that foster a more inclusive and collaborative school environment.
For more information, contact us.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS – HOW YOU CAN HELP STRENGTHEN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
Student-Led Activities for a Stronger School Community
Connections empowers students to plan and lead activities that bring together diverse peers, fostering a stronger sense of belonging. We need your support—through donations, in-kind services, or volunteering—to ensure these activities make a real impact on the school community.
Our Valued Providers
The Connections program has worked with a variety of organizations to offer enriching activities for students. Bike Works provided educational experiences through the Justice Journey of the Chinatown/International District. William Grose Center championed economic empowerment and supported STEM education. Wing Luke Museum offered cultural exploration focused on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. Holocaust Center for Humanity inspired students to confront bigotry and promote human dignity. The Mahogany Project facilitated an interactive theater art program that explored social justice themes. Mountaineers offered rock climbing activities that built confidence and teamwork. Theo Chocolate Factory hosted immersive factory tours.
For more information, contact us.
TESTIMONIALS
FAQ – LEARN MORE ABOUT CONNECTIONS
What are the guidelines for Connections activities?
Students who have completed the Connections workshop series are encouraged to team up and submit proposals for new activities. These activities should:
- Appeal to a diverse group of 10 to 15 peers and foster a sense of belonging.
- Ensure active engagement and interaction from all participants rather than passive participation.
- Provide learning opportunities by introducing new perspectives or subject matter.
- Create a shared memorable experience to help bond participants.
- Lay the groundwork for ongoing relationships after the activity.
- Allow students to practice the skills learned in the workshops.
To ensure success, a planning checklist includes:
- Supervision, facilitation, logistics, food planning, safety preparation, and budgeting.
- Recruitment efforts using flyers, social media, and announcements.
- Pre- and post-event surveys for feedback.
Can the Connections curriculum be adapted for different programs?
The Connections Curriculum Planning Guide provides flexible resources to customize the program for different schedules, group sizes, and lengths. It includes:
- Workshops on racial equity, antiracism, and community building.
- Self-identity sessions to explore personal and cultural identity.
- Advocacy training to empower students to take action.
- Team-building activities to foster collaboration.
- Customizable project planning for community initiatives.
- Reflection periods to process learning and plan actions.
This guide ensures that the core values are maintained across diverse program formats.
How many hours of service credits will students receive for participating in the Connections program?
The school principals of both Roosevelt and Garfield have approved granting 60 service hours to students who successfully complete both semesters of the Connections program.
What certification do the students receive from participating in the Connections program?
All students who successfully complete both semesters of the Connections program will receive a certificate of completion in both printed and electronic form. This certification can enhance college applications by highlighting:
- Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Cultural awareness and the ability to foster a sense of belonging
- Commitment to creating inclusive environments
- Competencies in critical thinking and collaboration
These skills and experiences help students stand out to admissions committees, showcasing their dedication to personal growth and community engagement.
What has the Connections program accomplished?
RARE and ULMS have collaborated on four Connections pilots in the past two years. The majority of responses from the students was overwhelmingly positive. Connections is using the feedback and input from the pilot programs to continue to evaluate and design future Connections programming for engagement in the schools.
2021
- Connections committee forms at RARE.
2022
- RARE and ULMS partner for a two-week summer pilot program to determine student needs and test the first Connections Workshop curriculum and Activities concept.
- Activities: (1) Theo Chocolate Factory; and (2) Bike Works Justice Journey of the Chinatown/International District.
Spring 2023
- First Connections Workshops in schools takes place over five weeks at Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools.
- Activities: (1) Rock climbing at Mountaineers; and (2) UW indigenous tour/hike.
Summer 2023
- Connections partners with Seattle Parks & Recreation’s Workforce Development Youth program for a five-week Workshop.
- Activities: Interactive Theater Art program.
Summer 2024
- Connections is offered through the ULMS Summer University, engaging high school students from Garfield, Roosevelt, and other high schools. Students visited the William Grose Center, the Wing Luke Museum, the Pratt Fine Arts Center, and the Holocaust Center for Humanity.
- Activities: Team-building exercises, discussions on inclusion vs. belonging, and a final event at Gameworks.