What is an example of an intervention a school counselor might implement to reduce barriers to equity?

Creating a mentoring program for underrepresented students is a highly effective intervention to reduce barriers to equity. This type of program focuses on fostering supportive relationships that can empower students who may face unique challenges due to their backgrounds, such as socioeconomic status, race, or other factors. Mentoring can provide guidance, encouragement, and access to resources that help these students navigate academic and personal hurdles.

By pairing underrepresented students with mentors, school counselors can facilitate opportunities for skill development, enhance self-esteem, and create networks that may otherwise be inaccessible. This intervention directly addresses disparities by offering tailored support that acknowledges the specific needs of these students, ultimately promoting equity in educational outcomes and experiences.

In contrast, providing scholarships exclusively for low-income students, while beneficial, may not foster broader systemic change or address the smaller-scale, interpersonal challenges these students face. Increasing discipline for behavioral issues does not support equity; rather, it may disproportionately affect students from marginalized backgrounds. Offering technology resources to all students promotes accessibility but may not effectively address the nuanced barriers to equity that underrepresented populations experience.