For equity and inclusion

More than 1,000 alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends recently secured the success of the Andover Challenge for Equity and Inclusion. Together they raised $1.2 million in gifts for racial and social justice initiatives across the Academy—to equal the $1.2 million invested by current and former Andover trustees.

Launched this past summer, the challenge established a dollar-for-dollar match for donations benefiting widespread equity and inclusion priorities, including the Office of Community and Multicultural Development (CAMD), scholarships for students of color, and the school’s four community-based outreach programs.

“This initiative is but one part of the important response that Andover has undertaken to combat racism and strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Board of Trustees President Amy C. Falls ’82, P’19, ’21. “The Anti-Racism Task Force is fully engaged in its work. And our entire community continues to ask, ‘How can Andover be a leader in this crucial work?’”

Challenge donor Steve Voorhees ’72, P’02, ’06, and his wife, Celia, committed their matching gift to a program with a personal connection. Says Voorhees, “I’ve been aware of (MS)² since I taught math at Andover in 1977, the first year (MS)² was established. Through meeting both alumni and current students over the past few years, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact the program continues to have on the lives of all participants. By supporting (MS)², we are choosing to make a difference for the future.” Outreach program gifts to Andover Bread Loaf, the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers, and PALS have also been tallied from across the Andover community.

The Academy will share updates on how donors are creating positive change for students and faculty as challenge resources are disbursed. And while the matching challenge has crossed the finish line, there remain opportunities to boost the Knowledge & Goodness campaign’s $10 million commitment to equity and inclusion endeavors.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion contribute to the success of every Andover student,” said Linda Carter Griffith, associate head of school for equity, inclusion, and wellness. “When students feel affirmed and secure in their identity, they can flourish—academically, personally, and socially.”

Encourage equity and inclusion today at andover.edu/SupportEI.