DEI Resources - Arlington Public Schools

Explore the online resources list below, or get more information on the following:

The following is a list of online resources that provide families with additional information to support them with improving diversity, equity and inclusion.

The resources and content shared on this website, including external links and materials, are provided as a service to the community and are intended for educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in these resources do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of Arlington Public Schools (APS) or its administration. The inclusion of such resources is not an endorsement of any specific ideology, belief, or perspective.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review these materials independently and make informed decisions regarding their use. APS is committed to adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Commonwealth of Virginia, ensuring an inclusive and respectful educational environment for all students.

Pursuant to § 22.1-253.13:7 of the Code of Virginia, each local school board is responsible for maintaining the standards of quality established by the Board of Education and ensuring that all instructional materials comply with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). Furthermore, as outlined in § 22.1-78, school boards have the authority to implement rules and regulations that govern the operation of schools within their jurisdiction, which includes oversight over educational resources made available to the public

Additionally, in accordance with 8VAC20-720-160 of the Virginia Administrative Code, it is the responsibility of school divisions to ensure that instructional resources and materials respect the diversity of viewpoints, provide a balanced perspective, and are appropriate for the developmental stages of students.

APS schools participate in the No Place for Hate campaign.
The AAKOMA Project
AAKOMA believes that to meet the mental health needs of Youth of Color, we need to operate at three levels – raising consciousness among individuals, providing accessible tools for ongoing management, and shifting systems to receive youth and provide better care.
AHC
AHC creates innovative development strategies, manages our properties professionally, and provides life-changing programs for residents. During nearly 50 years of experience, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to provide high-quality living environments that help build stable and productive lives for our residents and their communities.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention– Virginia
As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, this group brings together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
The ARC of Northern Virginia
The Arc of Northern Virginia offers many programs and services to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Arlington County Resources for Immigrants
Available in multiple languages, this website provides various resources related to public safety, legal aid, and other related information and opportunities.
Arlington County Resources for Veterans and Military
Arlington County RACE (Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity)
View Arlington County initiatives and resources around racial/ethnic equity, including their Race and Ethnicity Dashboard.
Arlington County LGBTQIA+ Resources
This list highlights helpful local and national resources for Arlington’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual residents.
Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP)
The Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP) provides English classes to adults in Arlington, Virginia. REEP integrates language, U.S. culture, digital literacy, community involvement, and workforce preparation into all course instruction. Career development opportunities are also available in child care and computer skills.
Arlington Public Schools-Mental Health Crisis Resources
Various mental health resources assembled by the APS Office of Student Services.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
A national affiliation of five leading organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities to promote a fair and equitable society for all.
CARECEN
For over 40 years, CARECEN has worked to foster the comprehensive development of the Latino population in the Washington DC area. Since 1981, CARECEN has remained true to its long history of facilitating the process of transition for immigrants to an integrated life in their new home and equipping them to play an essential role in the advancement of the community.
Doorways (Arlington)Doorways creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives.
Dream Project
The Dream Project empowers Virginia students whose immigration status creates barriers to higher education through access to scholarships, resources & mentors.
Edu-Futuro
In 1998, a group of Bolivian parents and the Bolivian Ambassador met with the Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools to establish an academic enrichment program that would meet the needs of Arlington’s growing immigrant Latino population. Since then, Edu-Futuro has grown to support and empower Latino and other immigrant families through educational programs and leadership development while teaching the broader community about the Latin American culture.
Girls, Inc. of Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area
Girls Inc. develops informal education programs, educates the media about critical issues facing girls, and teaches girls how to advocate for themselves and their communities. Website includes tips for parents as well as a section for girls.
JCRC
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington endeavors to foster a society based on freedom, justice and democratic pluralism for it is such a society which affords Jews, and all people, the conditions most conducive to individual security, equal opportunity and creative group survival.
Learning for Justice
Learning for Justice seeks to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. It provides free educational resources—articles, guides, lessons, films, webinars, frameworks and more—to help foster shared learning and reflection for educators, young people, caregivers and all community members.
NAACP Arlington Branch
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.
NAMI Northern Virginia
NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness.
PACER Center
PACER Center enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential.
The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign
The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign connects, equips, and mobilizes faith communities in the United States of America as strategic partners in countering, addressing, and preventing anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination, and violence.
SPAN: Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia
SPAN is a regional coalition of the City of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax-Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William Community Services Boards (CSBs) and community partners all working together to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
ACF Tribal & Native American Affairs
Administration for Children and Families’ Tribal and Native American Affairs page works with tribal nations and Indigenous communities across the United States to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families. ACF oversees more than 60 programs that empower families and communities, improve access to an array of services, and build strong and healthy communities.
Urban Alliance
Urban Alliance connects high school students to equitable, inclusive careers through paid work experiences, mentorship, and professional development. We work with schools and employers to address systemic barriers to economic mobility for young adults of color and to bridge the gaps between education and workforce development for all young people.
Veterans Crisis Line
A crisis line for Veterans. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
Virginia Disability Services Agencies
The Disability Services Agencies (DSA) is a group of related agencies and organizations that provides various services, resources, and advocacy to older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families