Anti-racist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) Commitment Statement

Since our founding over three decades ago, Aim High has been dedicated to nurturing the power and potential of every student we serve. We believe that a high quality education is a fundamental right for all young people.

We welcome and revere the spectrum of human diversity, and we stand against bigotry, racism, sexism, ableism, heteronormativity, and other biases that seek to undermine the dignity of all people.

We acknowledge that the U.S. educational system is inherently unequal and was designed to actively exclude entire groups of students, many of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and that this systemic racism has caused immense harm to students and their families, as well as to our entire economy, culture, democracy, and potential as a nation.

We believe that a critical step in righting this injustice is equipping students and educators with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and tools to chart their own future.

Therefore, Aim High will:

Build actively anti-racist systems, policies, and practices—while dismantling inequitable ones—at the student, staff, teacher, and board levels.

Create educational experiences and inclusive spaces where everyone, especially students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, feel a true sense of empowerment and belonging and where their lived experiences are seen, heard, valued, and uplifted.

Build an organization at all levels – staff, educators, and volunteer boards – that is representative of the communities with which we partner.

Hold ourselves accountable through a culture and practice of ongoing learning, goal setting, strategy development, implementation, and assessment to make meaningful change and progress for historically marginalized members of our community.

Engage in rewriting the narrative about our communities to one that honors and amplifies their many contributions, cultures, talents, and collective power.

Become a champion of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion within Aim High and the broader movement for educational equity.

At Aim High, we recognize that striving to be a truly anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive (A.D.E.I.) organization requires deep and long-term commitment. We know that we will make mistakes, and we are dedicated to learning from them. We ask our broader Aim High community – including families, educators, board members, and supporters – to encourage, challenge, and join us in living out our commitment to A.D.E.I.

Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (A.D.E.I.) are critical and interrelated components in this work.

Anti-Racism: The active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, mindsets, and behaviors

Diversity: The full range of human and/or organizational differences and similarities including, but not limited to, race, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental or physical ability

Equity: Fair and just systems, processes, practices, and environments that work to eliminate partiality and unconscious biases in the workplace

Inclusion: Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision- and policy-making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources, where all people feel a true sense of belonging.

For more information about Aim High’s Anti-racist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) Commitment Statement, please contact  info@aimhigh.org.