The aim of the Student Anti-Racism Fellowship is to work with students foster in our school system an environment where youth feel safe, respected, and where we prevent biases starting at a young age. We aim for it to be more than just a fellowship - we aim for it to be an opportunity for youth to enact systemic and interpersonal change in their communities and among each other.

When I was 15 years old, I founded the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network, the container for the fellowship. Beginning with three students meeting on Zoom, our group has blossomed into a 501c3 organization with a staff of 10 and over 30 representatives from around Vermont (all under age 23!). When we had our inaugural meeting, we discussed the issues that exist with racism in our state and how they can be addressed by working with young kids to confront biases and disparities. Many of us students in the group, specifically students of color, shared our experiences with racism and the toll it takes on our mental health.

Today, we are currently launching a Student Anti-Racism Fellowship to bring youth in grade 8 to undergraduate together to learn about anti-racism and identity, find affinity with each other, and work to make change through legislation and curriculum. These issues are often seen as taboo, but we need to discuss them authentically in order to move forward. If we are able to discuss them in schools and make change in the education system, we strongly believe we can change society.

In short, we know that this program will help countless Vermont youth - and our community as a whole, and we would love your financial support.