NEWARK, N.J., — Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company, and The Tyler Clementi Center at Rutgers University have partnered to help provide incentives to New Jersey public high schools interested in offering the LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Initiative to their LGBTQ student population and allies.
Through a $10,000 grant from the PSEG Foundation, the Tyler Clementi Center at Rutgers University will fund The LGBTQ Youth Empowerment Initiative. The Initiative is designed to encourage New Jersey public high schools to apply for grants to partner with the Tyler Clementi Center on day-long youth events to help improve the health and well-being, academic performance, and graduation rates among LGBTQ students.
“We are proud to be part of such a critically important social initiative that will help school leaders feel empowered to speak to students about their needs and develop resources to help bridge the gap between trusted adults and LGBTQ students,” said Ellen Lambert, President of the PSEG Foundation. “In both school and work environments, we strive to create inclusive cultures that allow everyone to succeed.”
“The Tyler Clementi Center is thrilled to be partnering with the PSEG Foundation on such an important initiative. While LGBTQ youth are more visible than ever in our schools, many continue to cope with social stigma, peer aggression/bullying, and fragmented support networks,” said Maren Greathouse, director, Tyler Clementi Center. “This partnership with PSEG will provide critical support to LGBTQ youth and their allies, and prepare teachers and administrators to carry on this work in their respective schools.”
The workshops will help engage all students in meaningful discussions about identity development, coping strategies, constructive methods for responding to anti-LGBTQ violence, and improve overall relationships between LGBTQ students and allies. Students will be invited to participate in a statewide climate survey that measures school, home and neighborhood environment, overall health and academic aspirations — providing an in-depth snapshot of the experiences and needs of LGBTQ youth across New Jersey.
