Supporting LGBTQ Students and Youth

As we continue to celebrate Pride Month throughout the month of June, we also recognize that LGBTQ students and youth often experience higher rates of bullying and harassment in school settings than their peers, increasing their risk for poorer school engagement, substance use, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. And, unfortunately, many do not have access to resources or in-school supports to improve their experiences and the overall school climate.

As schools plan for the upcoming school year, it is important that they do so in ways that address existing and potential inequities, support the needs of all students and their families, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school climate.

Below we have compiled several resources to help school leaders, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and educators learn how to more fully support the social-emotional wellbeing and other needs of LGBTQ students.
Resources
Resources for Gender and LGBTQ Inclusive Schools
This resources page from Welcoming Schools provides information and guidance for parents, educators, and schools to more effectively support LGBTQ students and create more inclusive and safe school settings.
Supporting LGBTQ Youth of Color
Schools can be hostile environments for LGBTQ students of color. This collection of research from GLSEN highlights the experiences of AAPI, Black, Latinx, and Native and Indigenous youth, and how to better support their specific needs.
Trainings for Youth-Serving Professionals
These trainings from The Trevor Project are designed for adults who work with youth, including K-12 school staff and educators. Trainings provide a framework for better understanding LBGTQ youth and their challenges, as well as learning how to create safer and more supportive environments.
How to Make Your School More Welcoming for LGBTQ Families
As schools interact with diverse family structures, school leaders and educators have a responsibility to learn from their experiences and create a welcoming environment. Find ideas for how to do so in this article from Edutopia.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth During Troubling Times
From the National Association of School Psychologists, this page includes a collection of resources with recommendations for creating a school climate that is supportive, safe, and accepting.
CHHCS Resources
Understanding Social Influencers of Health and Education
Partner Build Grow:
An Action Guide for Sustaining Child Development and Prevention Approaches
Resources for Response to COVID-19 in Schools
Including resources for planning to reopen schools.
Grant Alerts
Afterschool Grants | YSA
Grants to support youth-led or service learning opportunities during afterschool programs. Learn more.
Deadline: July 30, 2021
Youth Running Program Grants | Road Runners Club of America
Funding to support youth running programs that encourage regular exercise and healthy habits through running. Learn more.
Deadline: August 1, 2021
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Job Opportunities
School Psychologist | DC Public Schools (Washington, DC)
Diagnose and evaluate mental and emotional disorders of Special Education students. Learn more.
Middle School Health Teacher/Wellness Coordinator | The Spence School (New York, NY)
Teach health education classes, provide school-wide support for student development and well-being. Learn more.
School Social Worker | LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School (Brooklyn, NY)
Assess student social, emotional, and behavioral skills and plan positive behavioral interventions. Learn more.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
June 25, 2021
Hosted by Child Mind Institute
July 27–28, 2021
Hosted by National Alliance on Mental Illness
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
© 2021 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools