Eugene Brucker Education Center is headquarters of the San Diego Unified School District. File photo
The San Diego Unified School District has received recognition from the Black InGenius Initiative for its work and support increasing academic achievements among students of color.
The Black InGenius Initiative is a program from the University of San Diego intended to provide academic support for students that are disproportionately affected by educational inequities. Its scope includes counseling, college workshops, and other services with the goal of preparing middle and high school students for futures in higher education, whether at USD or any other university.
San Diego Unified gained recognition for the its involvement and support of the program, with a majority of the initiatives’ participants hailing from the district.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our unwavering commitment to educational equity and community wellness,” said San Diego Unified superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula in a statement.
“Our success stems from prioritizing the whole child — when we strengthen both academic achievement and community wellness, we create the conditions where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
San Diego Unified offers a variety of programs open to all students, with a focus on certain identities and experiences. Programs include Indigenous mental health support, site-based Black student union clubs and an annual Latinx/e youth conference.
“This is not an exhaustive list and does not include all of the efforts made in schools and classrooms across the district to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our communities,” said executive director of Equity and Belonging Ebonee Weathers.
As the fall semester begins, officials say that the district is continuing to work on building up student groups and events. Events include the Black Student Union conference and author meet-and-greets.