Education is a central component in shaping the future of our communities. Yet, there are many barriers that prevent access to quality learning opportunities. Within the context of building strong, welcoming communities, educational equity means working to ensure that all students have access to the resources and support they need to learn, succeed, and grow.
Both historically and today, educational inequities exist that have made it harder for some students to thrive and can be particularly exacerbated in rural or lower-income areas. These challenges, such as funding gaps, digital access, teacher shortages, transportation, disciplinary bias, a lack of culturally relevant curriculum, and varying levels of needs or abilities, can all lead to disparities in educational outcomes. Adult learners may also face struggles like affordability, scheduling, and stigma that can make pursuing an education more difficult.
Addressing educational inequities not only helps individual students – it also brings broader benefits to the Northland in terms of workforce development, increased civic engagement, and a stronger sense of community connection and well-being. Recognition of the past and ongoing inequities in educational environments can help local governments, community members, and organizations promote educational equity across the region.
Further welcoming efforts around educational equity might consist of:
- Volunteering at local schools or libraries to help with tutoring or after-school programs.
- Advocating for school funding policies that ensure rural and lower-income districts receive adequate support.
- Supporting culturally inclusive education that allows all students to see their histories and identities reflected in their learning.
- Mentoring students or adult learners who need extra academic or career guidance.
Considering educational equity is essential to understanding a more complete picture of belonging across the Northland. Read on to learn more about current initiatives and stories around educational equity.
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” —Ida B. Wells
Continued Learning
The DAWN program’s welcoming initiatives aim to provide continued opportunities for learning and connection related to promoting belonging, equity, and inclusion in our region. In our updates, we highlight a specific equity topic and provide resources related to the theme. When exploring this section, we ask you to consider the question:
“In terms of educational equity across the Northland, where have we come from, where are we now, and what steps do we need to take to reach a more equitable future?”
MN Department of Education: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center
Minnesota Historical Society: Teaching Native American History and Culture
Cook County Higher Education: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA)
Minnesota Education Equity Partnership: School Climate & Racial Equity Toolkit
Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds: Episode #18 How to be culturally competent in the classroom
Minnesota Rural Education Association: Maps on the Issues
Reach Program: Welcome to the REACH Program Youth-Adult Partnerships
Institute of Education Sciences: Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools
Minnesota North College: TRIO Student Support Services
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Welcoming in the News
Northern News Now: Ojibwe Language Symposium aims to revitalize the declining language
WDIO: UMD Chancellor reaffirms belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
Duluth News Tribune: Northland universities recognized for research contributions
Fox 21: Spanish Immersion Program Expands to Meyers-Wilkins Elementary
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Welcoming Events Across the Northland
Draw a Larger Circle: Expanding Inclusion in the Workplace Summit
March 13, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Northland Food Forum
March 14, 2025, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Peace United Church of Christ, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Winter Lecture Series: Women in the Fur Trade
March 15, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Forest History Center, Grand Rapids, MN
Learn more here
2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
March 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia, MN
Learn more here
Speed Friending at Dovetail Cafe
March 21, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Dovetail Café & Marketplace, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
2025 Summit on Equity, Race, and Ethnicity
March 26, 2025
University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) Spring Pow Wow
March 30, 2025, 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
FDLTCC Lester Jack Briggs Cultural Center, Cloquet, MN
Learn more here
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Invite a Friend
If you know others in your community who may be interested in participating in our welcoming programming or receiving these communications, please forward this email so they can learn more and Click Here to join our email list.
Contact Northspan’s Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any questions.