Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a network, we collaboratively crafted an aspirational statement for how we will approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work.
As an organization, we acknowledge the detrimental impact of racism and systems of oppression. We envision a pathway to equity that features excellent curriculum and instruction in response to the opportunity gap—providing our scholars with access and opportunities to succeed. We commit to reflect individually on the roles we play within systems of oppression; and we channel our individual talents and cultural sensitivity to help our scholars and local community thrive.
We do this by:
Centering equity in our work—layering it in to all of our decision-making
Empowering our scholars through teaching that balances cognitive development and critical thinking skills, and through responsive, rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum
Ensuring our adults have the necessary cultural competence to serve our students holistically
Our Shared Language for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity
At Explore, we value when different groups come together with a liberated mindset to help students connect to their own identity and the broader world.
We enable this through our curriculum—intentionally featuring diversity of thought in classrooms, and equipping staff with skills to create and modify culturally relevant content.
For us, diversity includes race, gender expression, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and socioeconomic status, as well as other ways people might identify differently.
Equity
At Explore, we actively work against implicit and unconscious bias, and remove the predictability of success or failure that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor.
To do this, we customize the way we educate our students and make adjustments based on their individual needs.
We work to ensure that everyone can access opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.
Inclusion
At Explore, inclusion involves intentionally creating space for all voices to be heard, respected and valued.
This means having a culture of acceptance and opportunity—where students and adults who have diverse perspectives, beliefs and identities can be their authentic selves, pursue their personal goals and help fulfill Explore’s mission.
