Gay Straight Alliance:

Al Kennedy High School is committed to providing a safe environment for all students!  We welcome all types of people to feel open to express themselves and to feel safe being who they are.  We understand that feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself can have a long lasting negative impact on development, well-being, self-esteem, and so much more.  One way that AKHS creates this safe environment for students is by offering a gay straight alliance (GSA) club.  The mission of a GSA is to create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression.  To educate the school community about homophobia, transphobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues.  And, to fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. 

At Al Kennedy we understand that, because of the bullying and discrimination LGBTQ students experience, they are at a statistically higher risk for depression and suicide, they are more likely to struggle in school, abuse drugs and alcohol, and be the victims of violence.  We hope that providing Kennedy students with a GSA, we can stop these statistics from being a reality at Al Kennedy.  Sadly, discrimination and oppression of sexual minorities is a reality in our current world.  We hope that Kennedy students can be the face of change and hope in Cottage Grove, and that by establishing a safe space at AKHS, we can help the next generation to be more tolerant and accepting.  Please stay connected to our club page for updates and activities.

College Scholarships For LGBTQ+ Students

A growing number of college scholarships are devoted exclusively to students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (lgbt). Some scholarships are available nationally, and other scholarships are exclusively devoted to students from specific geographic regions. These populations have become much more visible within higher education, but still face formidable social challenges. Scholarships reflect the trend in diversity: encourage students of all backgrounds to participate to their highest potential.  

BIPOC Student Union:

Al Kennedy High School is a place where student voices are appreciated and heard.  Our students or color reached out to us and requested a place where students of color could share, create and learn together.  As a result, we started our BIPOC Student Union.  The BIPOC Student Union is supported by our staff and the Lane ESD Native Wellness Program.  However, all the ideas, activities and content are created by the student members. Some of the activities that the student union members have done in the past include; making drums and drumsticks, learning and singing songs, attending cultural events, speaking and presenting at cultural events, creating student union hoodies, learning beadwork and much more.