Students are the future leaders of our world. The BOOM experience allows students to come together to celebrate what makes them who they are and inspires them to continue to Break Out of the Margins.

The legacy BOOM (for him) and SHOUT (for her) program has engaged seventh to twelfth grade students of color since 2016. It brought together students that racially identify as African, Black, Hispanic, LatinX, Native American, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander or mix of any, who are in grades 7-12 in the Bellevue School District. This once-a-year opportunity provided mentorship and learning opportunities for these students to connect, be inspired, find support, and to be led and taught by adults who racially identify like them.

The New BOOM for ALL

In response to student feedback, here’s what’s new: BOOM (for him) and SHOUT (for her) is now BOOM (for all).

“BOOM, Breaking Out Of the Margins, is a BIPOC focused opportunity for secondary students to engage in meaningful, facilitated conversations that center issues that are of most importance to them. BOOM events are intended to inspire, build community and provide opportunity to connect with leaders of color so that each and every BSD student can reach their full potential.”  – Shomari Jones, Director of Equity and Family Engagement

BOOM centers on student-led experiences, with developmentally appropriate topics and conversations for middle and high school students in grades 7-12. Under the BOOM umbrella, each month will feature one of the following virtual events:

Stars and Constellations   

“We shine brighter together”

A student-led gathering where youth will help plan and organize the BOOM Experience taking place in the spring of 2022. Students will have the opportunity to let us know what they want to learn about and what types of speakers they would like to invite to BOOM.

Lil BOOM 

Gathering inspired by topics raised by students during the Stars and Constellations events. With the support of leaders of color, we will be answering questions and shining a light to lead the path forward through healing conversations and mentorship.

The BOOM Experience 

Our students are the future leaders of our world. Their courage, brilliance, and creativity are boundless. During the BOOM Experience, we will come together to celebrate what makes them special and inspire them to continue Breaking Out Of the Margins in and out of the classroom.

Attend the First Monthly Gathering for BOOM on January 19, 2022

The first virtual event of the year will take place on Wednesday, January 19, at 3 p.m. Students received a registration email from the Equity and Family Engagement Department with details. For more information contact [email protected].


The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.