Changing gender stereotypes isn't easy, but Diman has been doing its part to provide opportunity for all students to pursue their dreams. Recently, Diman hosted a Non-Traditional Student Summit of 65 people from 6 different schools, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Jeff Perrotti (Director, Safe Schools Program for LGBT Students).

The summit was an opportunity for non-traditional students, non-traditional allies, and advisers to get together to participate in a number of team building activities all centered around the challenges/opportunities of being non-traditional by gender in one's field. Participating schools included Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School, Blue Hills Regional Technical High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Bristol-Plymouth Vocational Technical High School, and Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Examples of non-traditional students at Diman might include females in construction trades like carpentry or plumbing, or males in fields such as health careers or dental assisting. Diman's Non-Traditional Club meets regularly to provide support and collaboration among students in non-traditional shops.

This is the fifth year in a row that Diman hosted the event. The day was capped off with a gathering for all attendees in the Room 251 restaurant, where the students were treated to a meal and had the opportunity to network.

 

Contact:
Nathan Byrnes, Media Services Coordinator
nbyrnes@dimanregional.org