Social Consciousness Series

The Social Consciousness Series at Evanston Township High School is a collection of events focused on building awareness, understanding, and commitment to social justice and equity. Through engaging workshops, panels, and activities, students are encouraged to explore systemic issues, recognize their own roles in creating change, and develop skills to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable community. This series fosters critical thinking, empathy, and meaningful dialogue, empowering students to become active and informed participants in shaping a just society.

Summits at ETHS

Established in 2014, student summits are day-long, in-school field trips organized by ETHS educators and students to create affirming spaces where students can build community, cultivate belonging, explore and deepen their understanding of identity, and discover pathways for healing and growth. These summits contribute to an inclusive school culture where all students feel visible, heard, and valued. Participants engage in meaningful conversations, workshops, and activities that foster dialogue, understanding, and authentic connection.

Organized under the leadership of the Equity Office, student summits are intentionally designed to center the experiences of students from historically marginalized communities—particularly those who may not have access to identity-affirming spaces or institutional support outside of school. These summits provide opportunities for students to connect, reflect, and lead in spaces that honor their identities, stories, and lived experiences.

Student summits are open to all ETHS students, regardless of how they identify. While each summit centers the voices and experiences of specific communities, all students are encouraged to participate in the spirit of learning, solidarity, and building a more inclusive school community.

Student summits include:

Black Summit
Latinx Summit
Middle Eastern North African and Asian (MENAA) Summit
LGBTQ+ Summit
Abilities Summit

Abilities Summit

The Abilities Conference is a student-led event that centers the experiences and voices of students with disabilities. It provides a supportive space to explore disability identity, advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and build community. Through workshops, discussions, and interactive activities, participants learn about the challenges and strengths associated with diverse abilities, while fostering respect, understanding, and empowerment. The conference aims to raise awareness and encourage meaningful change toward greater equity and inclusion for all students.

Anti-Racism Workshop

The Anti-Racism Workshop is an interactive and reflective learning experience that encourages students to examine their own identities, understand systems of power and privilege, and explore how they can actively contribute to advancing racial justice. Through discussions, activities, and critical reflection, students develop tools to recognize and challenge racism, fostering a more equitable and inclusive school community.

Indigenous Peoples Day Conference

Held annually on Indigenous Peoples Day, this conference centers the voices, histories, and present-day experiences of Native and Indigenous communities. Through workshops, panels, and cultural presentations led by Indigenous educators, artists, and community members, the event invites students to deepen their understanding of Native cultures and contributions. The intention is to build awareness and honor our responsibility to the Native communities whose lands we learn and live on. The day concludes with a community powwow, celebrating Indigenous tradition through dance, music, and shared gathering.

Who Can Participate

How to Attend

When registration opens for a Social Consciousness Series event, you’ll receive an email with all the details on how to sign up. Keep an eye on your ETHS email and listen for announcements at school. To participate, simply complete a brief registration form to secure your spot and get excused from classes for the day. Since space can be limited, we encourage you to register early.

What to Expect

At each event, you’ll find a diverse lineup of sessions designed to educate, inspire, and engage. From insightful presentations, panel discussions, and history explorations to reflective dialogues, live performances, and hands-on workshops centered on culture, advocacy, and creativity—there’s something for everyone. When you register, you’ll get to choose the sessions that resonate most with you. Summits often include a culturally meaningful meal and a fun social event—like a dance or community gathering—to celebrate connection and joy.

How Summits Are Organized

Student summits are organized by ETHS students with the support of ETHS staff members. From choosing themes to designing workshops and activities, student leadership shapes every aspect of the summit based on their experiences and perspectives. Staff sponsors provide guidance and support to help bring these visions to life, ensuring each summit is impactful and empowering. If you are interested in getting involved with summit planning, please contact the Equity Office at equity@eths202.org. Your voice and input can help create valuable experiences for your peers and school community.

Connection to Learning and School Priorities

Student summits serve as important co-curricular learning opportunities where students can explore their identities, share their stories, and connect with peers in ways that aren’t always available elsewhere. Identity development is a critical part of learning—it helps students understand themselves and their place in the world, which supports both their academic growth and personal well-being. These experiences help build essential Social Emotional Learning skills—such as self-awareness, social awareness, empathy, and communication—by encouraging honest conversations and reflection. By centering the voices of historically marginalized groups, summits help address inequities in representation and support, building a school culture where all students feel seen and valued. This sense of belonging and empowerment contributes directly to students’ motivation, resilience, and readiness to engage meaningfully in their communities.

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