Belonging In Schools

Opportunity

Belonging in Schools is a collaborative effort of families, communities, and school systems to support students on a path to academic and social-emotional success.

Team

The organizations working on this project include Westminster University, the College of Education at the University of Utah, and University Neighborhood Partners (UNP).

Work

This project works to bring student voice into the conversation of student belonging. From students' experience and perspective, what does belonging mean to them? Or what does it mean to not belong? And how can we help students feel like they belong, not only in schools, but in their larger community?

Outcomes

» Conducted four focus groups with high school students across Utah on what belonging means to them.

» Released the What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices report based on the perspectives of youth.

» Released the What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices: 5 Data-Driven Suggestions for Education Sites one-pager. This one-pager lists five data-driven strategies that include youth’s perspectives on programs and policies that can help nurture a sense of belonging.

Belonging In Schools

Resources

  • What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices

    The CEOB, Westminster University, the University of Utah College of Education, & University Neighborhood Partners

    This study focuses on adolescents aged 13-19 and explores the nuances of the concept of belongingness, examining its shared attributes and potential divergences among youth across four distinct communities in Utah. In addition to collecting data on multifaceted dimensions of belongingness, this report includes youth’s perspectives on programs and policies that can help nurture a sense of belonging.

    Access the report →

  • What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices: 5 Data-Driven Suggestions For Education Sites

    The CEOB, Westminster University, the University of Utah College of Education, & University Neighborhood Partners

    As part of the What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices report, this one-pager lists five data-driven strategies that include youth’s perspectives on programs and policies that can help nurture a sense of belonging.

    Access the one-pager →

See All Resources