About Us:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Across our boards, teams, and learning environments, we are always working toward a more equitable and inclusive Steppingstone—with a goal of creating the best experience for Scholars, families, staff, and our whole community.
Our Philosophy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Steppingstone is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that honors the essential value of every individual. We seek to maintain a culture of mutual respect and understanding that encourages and supports all its members to work to reach their full potential. We are intentional in our efforts to promote conversation, growth, and learning around diversity and inclusion as they are critical in the work toward our mission of preparing Scholars for educational opportunities that lead to college success. Bias and discrimination go strongly against Steppingstone’s core values and have no place in our community.
Our Commitment in Action
Steppingstone prioritizes and upholds principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our work, organizational culture and structure. This commitment includes:
- Ongoing strategic planning grounded in a five-year partnership (2017–2022) with a consultant from Trinity Boston Connect's Organizational Equity Practice (OEP)
- DEI committees on both our staff and the Board of Directors
- Racial Equity Action Plans that hold each team and the Board of Directors accountable with measurable goals
- Regular all-staff workshops and community building spaces
- Staff and board subscriptions to Paradigm Reach, an interactive platform with a library of DEI learning materials
- Restorative practices embedded in our programming and curriculum
Steppingstone is committed to building a Restorative Culture based on the following practices:
- We intentionally develop ways of working together based on common agreements and core values
- Relationships are prioritized so all members of the community feel safe and valued
- An investment in relationships allows adults and Scholars to engage and learn through meaningful conversations, and makes it possible for all of us to do our best work together
Our Core Values
Power of One
- We honor every voice and believe we are strongest when we work together.
- We recognize, respect, and nurture the fullness and complexity of each member of our community.
- We believe in the power of belonging and seek to create a welcoming and inclusive culture.
Walk the Walk
- We partner with every Scholar and family, supporting them holistically throughout their own educational journey.
- We work with a clear and measurable purpose, using data to drive collective decision-making and challenge assumptions.
- We create spaces for difficult conversations to transform our thinking and move us forward.
Embrace Growth
- We strive to operate as an anti-racist organization and commit to continuous learning and action in the service of this goal.
- We provide opportunities for everyone in our community to flourish and reach their full potential.
- We make time for reflection, learn from past experiences, and take initiative in response to changing needs and new ideas.
Steppingstone actively works to become an organization that operates with a clear equity lens, both internally and externally. We continue to strengthen our capacity to have difficult conversations, and to develop a systemic analysis of how our work fits into the larger landscape of equity in education.
If you have questions about Steppingstone’s DEI commitment or initiatives, please contact communications@steppingstone.org.
If you have questions about Steppingstone’s DEI commitment or initiatives, please contact communications@steppingstone.org.
