Schools
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is a trusted partner for K – 12 and higher education students, educators, and administrators working to create equitable learning environments. VCIC provides expert consultation and facilitates award-winning workshops, retreats, and forums to promote inclusion at schools across Virginia.
PROGRAMS
For K-12, College & University
Students, Educators, Administrators
VCIC offers numerous school program options, customized by role and age group:
Programs for Middle School Students
Middle school students who participate in VCIC programs build knowledge, motivation, and skills as inclusive leaders within their schools. Specific opportunities include:
A fast-paced, interactive, 75-minute assembly, “Break the Cycle: Be the Change” explores the roots and consequences of prejudice. Using humor, role playing, audience participation, and real-life examples and stories, the program motivates students to work for change as upstanders and allies in their schools.
Final Reports
VCIC’s staff members work closely with school leaders to develop customized programs addressing issues such as bullying, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership. All programs help participants apply what they learned after the engagement.
Programs for High School Students
High school students who participate in VCIC programs build knowledge, motivation, and skills as inclusive leaders within their schools. Specific opportunities include:
A fast-paced, interactive, 75-minute assembly, “Break the Cycle: Be the Change” explores the roots and consequences of prejudice. Using humor, role playing, audience participation, and real-life examples and stories, the program motivates students to work for change as upstanders and allies in their schools.
Diversity Dialogue Day is a one-day forum that brings together students to explore personal experiences with discrimination and develop conflict resolution skills. Students work closely with their peers from a wide range of backgrounds. At the conclusion of the Diversity Dialogue Day, participants develop strategies for increasing awareness and promoting inclusion within their schools. Learn More
Thank you to Dominion Energy for sponsoring the 2023-2024 Peninsula, Richmond, and Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day programs!
Since 1993, this statewide summer retreat program has given high school students the opportunity to break barriers, deal with biased behavior, and develop action plans to reduce prejudice in their communities. Schools and organizations from across Virginia send teams of five students to the program. Learn More
Designed for a single school or district, Project Inclusion brings together up to 60 students and 15 educators for an intensive four-day residential experience. Participants explore issues of diversity and prejudice, gain insight into their own lives and values, and develop action plans to share their learning. Administrators have credited Project Inclusion with improving school climates, reducing incidents of bullying and violence, and building stronger connections between students and educators. Learn More
VCIC’s staff members work closely with school leaders to develop customized programs addressing issues such as bullying, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership. All programs help participants apply what they learned after the engagement.
Programs for K-12 Educators & Administrators
Professional development and consulting for elementary, middle, and high school educators help teachers and administrators navigate differences and advance educational equity. Programs explore inclusive curriculum, classroom management, school climate, family engagement, and overall school policies and programs. Specific opportunities include:
Educators and administrators frequently call upon VCIC for consulting support regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. VCIC is available as a resource after incidents of bias, bullying, and discrimination, as well as to support community engagement, policy updates, and strategic diversity and inclusion planning.
VCIC’s program staff members work closely with school leaders to develop customized professional development programs. Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of a specific school community. Sample topics include “Building Inclusive Curriculum, ” “Creating a Sense of Belonging,” “Cultivating Teachable Moments,” “Engaging Diverse Families,” “Exploring the Roots of Prejudice,” “Navigating Class in Schools,” “Navigating Race in Schools,” and “Preventing and Responding to Bullying.”
The Educational Equity Initiative develops administrators and teachers who are passionate, committed, and prepared to lead efforts to eliminate disparities based on race, national origin, and socio-economic status. Through interactive and engaging training and consulting, participating educators learn about how bias and prejudice affect schools, learning, and teaching, while developing strategies for creating more supportive learning environments.Learn More
Programs for College/University Students
College students who participate in VCIC programs build knowledge, motivation, and skills as inclusive leaders within their schools. Specific opportunities include:
The Allies Institute is an intensive four-day, three-night retreat for college students and faculty/staff featuring interactive workshops, intense small group discussions, and experiential exercises. At the end of the program, they develop action plans to share their learning with their peers at the sponsoring institutions. Allies has been credited with fostering campus climates of inclusion by serving as a catalyst for heightened awareness, dialogue, and programming on diversity issues.
A fast-paced, interactive, 75-minute presentation, “Break the Cycle: Be the Change” explores the roots and consequences of prejudice. Using humor, role playing, audience participation, and real-life examples and stories, the program motivates students to work for change as upstanders and allies in their schools.
VCIC’s staff members work closely with campus leaders to develop customized programs for student leadership groups including orientation advisors, resident assistants, student government, Greek Life, and more. All programs help participants apply what they learned after the engagement.
Programs for College/University Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff at Virginia’s colleges and universities benefit from having awareness of diversity issues and skills to advance inclusion. VCIC works closely with employees at a wide range of institutions. Specific opportunities include:
Administrators, faculty, and staff frequently call upon VCIC for consulting support regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. VCIC is available as a resource after incidents of bias, bullying, and discrimination, as well as to support community engagement, policy updates, and strategic diversity and inclusion planning.
VCIC’s staff members work closely with campus leaders to develop customized programs for faculty and staff members. Programs can be customized for a specific department or can provide general knowledge and skills for employees across an institution. All programs help participants apply what they learned after the engagement.
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