Update, February 25:
The Request for Proposals (RFP #ELFEB2022A): To Provide Professional Learning to Educators and Educational Leaders of Color through the Convening of Affinity Groups is awarded to RE-Center: Race & Equity in Education.

Update, Feb 15: answers to submitted questions have been posted. Scroll down to view.

The SERC Foundation is seeking competitive proposals from qualified and interested organizations with proven expertise and experience in providing professional development, support, and networking opportunities for educators and educational leaders of color in six specific partner school districts to promote growth, development, and sustainability, specifically through the convening of affinity groups. The purpose of the affinity groups is to provide a space for educators of color to connect, share experiences and best practices, and have their voices heard. Successful proposals would provide opportunities for connection and empowerment through an ongoing professional learning experience for educators of color.
Partner districts are those that have engaged with the SERC Foundation in professional learning and capacity building to support, promote, and develop racial equity in education. The partner districts are New Haven, Middletown, New London, Waterbury, New Britain, and Southington.

Components and Deliverables

For more information including Relevant Dates, Minimum Qualifications, Proposal Requirements, and Contact information, download the Request for Proposals Document (PDF)
(note: this RFP document was amended on February 10)

UPDATE, February 15: Answers to submitted questions

SERC created this award to honor and highlight the demonstration of extraordinary acts of commitment and courage to ensure all Connecticut students, especially students of color and culturally and linguistically diverse students, are valued and respected in their school experience.

Award recipients will be selected based on their steadfast and unwavering action in:

• Advocating for children and families of color;
• Galvanizing individuals and coalitions toward equitable action;
• Taking risks in conversation and action regarding issues of equity for racially, linguistically and culturally diverse groups;
• Engaging the diverse needs of members  of an education community and reconciling them toward a shared vision; and
• Furthering the exchange of information that affects thinking and effects conviction on matters of equity.

Nominations of students are encouraged.

Nominators and awardees will be notified no later than March 1, 2022. Please submit completed nomination packages to SERC by Tuesday, February 15, 2022

We look forward to receiving your nomination packages.  Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Heather at SERC, (860) 632-1485, ext. 263, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A complete nomination package must include the following: 

1. Nomination Entry Form
2. Letter of Nomination (1 page limit) *Please include in the letter the nominator’s relationship to nominee, contributions and areas of involvement of the nominee, and evidence of the impact of the nominee’s work toward racially equitable outcomes.
3. Biography of Nominee (1 page limit)
4. One Letter of Support (1 page limit) *Letter of support can be from schools, community organizations, or individuals who know of the nominee’s active involvement in working for racial equity; it should include specific examples and evidence of the impact and contribution made by the nominee to a local school and/or community organization because of their involvement and engagement.

Please gather these items before accessing the Electronic Nomination Form.

Access the Electronic Nomination Form Here!

Call for Nominations

Nominate someone now for the 2023 awards! SERC is seeking nominations of individuals, organizations, schools, or districts.

SERC created this award to honor and highlight the demonstration of extraordinary acts of commitment and courage to ensure all Connecticut students, especially students of color and culturally and linguistically diverse students, are valued and respected in their school experience.

Award recipients will be selected based on their steadfast and unwavering action in:

• Advocating for children and families of color;
• Galvanizing individuals and coalitions toward equitable action;
• Taking risks in conversation and action regarding issues of equity for racially, linguistically and culturally diverse groups;
• Engaging the diverse needs of members  of an education community and reconciling them toward a shared vision; and
• Furthering the exchange of information that affects thinking and effects conviction on matters of equity.

Nominations of students are encouraged.

Please submit completed nomination packages to SERC by December 15, 2022 .
Nominators and awardees will be notified no later than March 1, 2023.

We look forward to receiving your nomination packages.  Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Heather at SERC, (860) 632-1485, ext. 263, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A complete nomination package must include the following: 

1. Nomination Entry Form
2. Letter of Nomination (1 page limit) *Please include in the letter the nominator’s relationship to nominee, contributions and areas of involvement of the nominee, and evidence of the impact of the nominee’s work toward racially equitable outcomes.
3. Biography of Nominee (1 page limit)
4. One Letter of Support (1 page limit) *Letter of support can be from schools, community organizations, or individuals who know of the nominee’s active involvement in working for racial equity; it should include specific examples and evidence of the impact and contribution made by the nominee to a local school and/or community organization because of their involvement and engagement.

Please gather these items before accessing the Electronic Nomination Form. You'll be asked to upload supporting documents in Word or PDF format on the form.

Access the 2023 Electronic Nomination Form Here!