For me, this essential question — How can school leaders bridge the gap between access and belonging for historically marginalized students? — is not just academic. It’s personal. I was one of those students. As a participant in the A Better Chance program, I attended elite private schools where I learned to navigate spaces that were not designed for students like me. I would have been considered a “disadvantaged” child.

Years later, as an educator and admissions professional, I now work in a school that serves mostly Black and Brown boys. Yet even in this space (a place built for them) I see gaps. Academic gaps, yes, but also emotional ones. Gaps in support. Gaps in confidence. Gaps in identity. Access alone isn’t enough. These students deserve to thrive, not just survive.

While I know we cannot “save” every student, I believe deeply in serving the academically gifted students who may be overlooked or underestimated because of their environment. These are the students I want to champion. Through better systems, stronger leadership, and intentional design, we can help them leap beyond the projections of their zip code. This work takes more than just removing them from their lived environments! It takes meeting them where they are and truly seeing them.