“BOOM 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 has the opportunity to reach their full potential.” – Shomari Jones, Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement
Since its inception in 2015, Bellevue School District’s BOOM, for him and SHOUT, for her programs have provided mentorship and learning opportunities for students in grades seven to twelve, who identify racially as African, Black, Hispanic, LatinX, Native American, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander or mix of any, to connect, be inspired by, find support, and be led and taught by adults who racially identify like them.
In 2020 in response to COVID19 and the closure of schools, BOOM and SHOUT went virtual. Programming over the next couple of years included mixed gender, student-led gatherings where students informed and co-designed the updated BOOM program. Through conversations centered on shared challenges and bright spots in secondary school, what transpired was a desire for the merger of BOOM and SHOUT to become a gender-inclusive program with a focus on developmentally appropriate and relevant topics; hence, one BOOM Experience for all.
While this event is historically designed to center African, Black, Hispanic, LatinX, Native American, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander students, the event is open to ALL students in grades 7-12.
The 2023- 2024 BOOM Experience will take place on March 28, 2024, at Bellevue College.
