Student Programs Being Offered By The OutCenter

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The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is offering some programs for young people and schools as a new academic year begins. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News the center wants to help foster safe spaces within schools. Among the programs being offered is the Teen Pride Summit Series.

“Teen Pride started out as a program, student club, at the OutCenter,” Schnell said. “Now it’s a series of mini summits to help schools understand why and how to develop an LGBTQ student club.”

Schnell says the OutCenter is also offering workshops to help schools and students create safer environments, inclusive sex education courses, and a program to find safe homes for LGBTQ youth.

“It was a tough year last year, it’s going to be a little tough this year, and so we have a lot more support available for the kiddos going into the school year, and we’re very proud of that.”

According to a June report from the federal Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on students and has widened pre-existing disparities, including with LGBTQ students. Anyone interested in any of the programs should contact the OutCenter or check its website.