For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Essex Tech Receives $750 Grant from Foundation Trust

DANVERS — Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to announce that Essex Tech has been awarded a $750 grant from the Foundation Trust to support efforts to increase diversity awareness.

The $750 grant will support the school’s Cultural Awareness Collective, a group of students at Essex Tech who work to educate faculty, staff and students to respect the differences between various cultures and promote acceptance and inclusion. Approximately 40 students are involved in the club, with 15 students actively attending each weekly meeting.

“We’re thrilled to have been awarded this funding from the Foundation Trust, which will support the vision and work of our Cultural Awareness Collective,” Superintendent Riccio said. “Cultivating a school community that recognizes and celebrates diversity and is sensitive to multicultural concerns is critical for supporting all of our students and preparing them to be thoughtful, considerate and informed citizens.”

A small group of students came together to form the Cultural Awareness Collective approximately two years ago, and since then have worked together to educate Essex Tech staff and students about diversity and sensitivity. Members of the group have provided professional development to faculty during in-service days to raise awareness of cultural sensitivity and proficiency. The students are also working to grow the Cultural Awareness Collective, and continue to welcome new members to their organization.

Thanks to the grant funding, the group will be working together to develop a service project that benefits the community at large.

“The Cultural Awareness Collective is undertaking important work to foster an inclusive atmosphere at ENSATS. The Foundation Trust is proud to support their efforts to advance kindness and understanding,” said Lauren Liecau, Manager of Outreach and Development at the Foundation Trust.

The Foundation Trust 

The Foundation Trust is a private philanthropic foundation serving Greater Boston. In supporting the important work of small to medium-sized nonprofit organizations, the Foundation Trust strives to enhance individual well-being and community development.  Learn more at www.FoundationTrust.org

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