Project focuses on fostering inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ students across district

The It Gets Better Project recently announced that Somerville Public Schools (SPS) has been awarded a “50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices” grant. Somerville Public Schools will use the funds to support  LGBTQIA+ students by providing our district’s Gender/Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) with materials, event funding, and inclusive and representative books for school libraries.

GSAs at each of the schools in Somerville will use the funds to purchase Pride Packages that include board games, decorations, art supplies, pride flags, and pronoun pins. They will also be allotted funding for GSA students and their allies to plan and host events that help reinforce a sense of acceptance, community, belonging, joy, and safety. Funds will also be used to enhance school library book collections with books that represent LGBTQIA+ identities.

As Dr. Jessica Boston Davis, SPS Director for Equity and Excellence, shares, “Creating inclusive and affirming environments that allow students to thrive is a core piece of our work as a district. I’m grateful for the partnership with our Out of School Time Director, Heather McCormack, and our GSA advisors who developed tangible ways in which we can foster inclusive environments for our students who are members of the LGTBQIA+ community.”

Heather McCormack, SPS Out of School Time Director, adds her thoughts, “I was so excited to work with Dr. Jessica Boston Davis and our amazing teacher advisors this year to ensure that every K-8 school in the district had a GSA. We are so grateful that this grant allows us to make sure every one of our GSAs has the resources they need to support our LGBTQIA+ students, and I look forward to supporting their efforts throughout the year.”

For more information about the It Gets Better Project, visit https://itgetsbetter.org/.