A Positive Summer with Connections: Preparing for a New School Year

High school students from across Seattle came together this summer for the Connections program that was offered under the umbrella of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) Summer University. The program provided engaging experiences and structured opportunities for the students to explore new ideas, build relationships, connect, learn and grow.

While the summer program focused on a range of organized activities, the upcoming fall and spring sessions will shift towards student-led initiatives, designed to help more students build a sense of belonging and foster an inclusive school culture.

Summer Highlights

Throughout the five week program, students participated in various activities that encouraged learning and personal growth. These activities were designed to be both educational and enjoyable, fostering a sense of belonging and community among participants. Key highlights from the summer include:

• Community Partner Experiences: Students visited several community partners, such as the William Grose Center, where they learned about its vital role in supporting economic development, cultural preservation, and social justice within Seattle’s Central District. Students also explored the Wing Luke Museum to understand Seattle’s civil rights history and participated in a creative screen printing session at the Pratt Fine Arts Center. The students toured the Holocaust Center for Humanity where they learned about tolerance and allyship, which connected to their discussions on being an upstander in their communities.

• Group Discussions and Debates: The program included thoughtful group discussions like the “Inclusion vs. Belonging Great Debate,” where students debated the differences between these concepts and their importance in creating a supportive school environment. The “Taking Inclusion to Belonging Think Tank” allowed students to brainstorm ways to create a stronger sense of belonging in their schools.
• Team-Building Activities: Students took part in various team-building exercises, including introductory “Get to Know You” activities and team-building exercises. The “Inequity Monopoly Activity” provided an interactive way to discuss systemic inequities, helping students understand and reflect on social justice issues. These activities helped students build stronger bonds with their peers while developing valuable skills.

Celebrating Community and Building Connections

The summer program ended with a student-led event at Gameworks on August 8th. It wasn’t just about having fun—it was a chance to bring students together in a shared experience that highlighted the program’s goals of inclusivity and community. Connections students invited guests from Summer University who represented the program’s values, with the aim of introducing them to Connections and encouraging them to join. All 25 students, both Connections members and their guests, took part in team games like the Gameworks Orbiter, which promoted teamwork and understanding.

Looking Ahead: Focusing on Student-Led Activities

While the summer program offered a range of guided activities, the focus for the academic year will be on student-led initiatives. These upcoming sessions will empower students to plan and lead activities that foster meaningful connections and build a stronger sense of community within their own schools. By engaging students in various roles and responsibilities, the program aims to expand its impact, as student-led activities have the potential to reach and involve more peers, creating a ripple effect of engagement and inclusivity.

Join the Connections Crew This School Year! 

Get ready to make friends and make a difference by joining the Semester 1 Connections Crew at Roosevelt or Garfield High School! The Connections Crew is a group of dedicated students responsible for planning and facilitating activities that promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging in their schools.

The program aims to break down social barriers by bringing together students from diverse backgrounds. It has two parts: learning and doing. First, students learn about belonging, leadership, teamwork, allyship and antiracism through interactive workshops and field trip experiences. Then, they plan and execute inclusive activities for their peers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape your school community! For more information, reach out to Amber Inwood, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at ainwood@urbanleague.org.

The Connections program is looking forward to a productive year, building on the successes of this summer and continuing to foster a sense of belonging and community within our schools.