Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship

Supporting the Holocaust Resource Center in achieving its' goal of global education and engagement is the Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship (DCGEC), formerly known as the Diversity Council of Kean University.

Founded in 1990, the Council collaborates with Kean’s College of Education and provides more than 70 member school districts with opportunities that empower educators to create safe, inclusive learning environments for all students by providing Common Core-aligned professional development.

The Council fosters the continued growth of active and compassionate individuals in order to reduce intolerance, harassment/intimidation, and to promote social justice in a democratic society.

The Council hosts annual elementary, middle, and high school conferences, as well as leadership seminars. These professional development sessions explore diversity-related themes including bullying, Holocaust and genocide education, civil rights, and confronting human rights abuses.

The Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award was established by the Holocaust Resource Center and Council on Global Education and Citizenship to honor Joy Prescott, a beloved Kean University employee, upon her retirement. Ms. Prescott dedicated more than 30 years of service to students and educators through her passion for diversity training, community building, and Holocaust education.

The Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award for Student Leadership and Dedication was presented to nine student leaders at our Student Leadership Conference on November 16th, 2018. These students demonstrated a commitment to human rights and the pursuit of social justice. 

• Alexis Santoro, Cranford High School, "Government and Public Service"
• Virgen Silva-Mendez, Bridgeton High School, "Health and Wellness" 
• Stella DeMizio, Watchung Hills High School , "Peer Mentorship and Diversity in the Classroom"
• Melanie Colon, Lacey Township High School, "Pets For Vets & Armed Forces Efforts"
• Meha Pandejee, North Brunswick High School, "Women and Children's Rights"
• Rachel Papa, Arthur L. Johnson High School, "Community Safety and Inclusion"
• Britney Wilson, Whippany Park High School, "Sexuality and Gender Alliance"
• Giovana Castaneda, Elizabeth High School,  "Social Action and Sustainability"
• Brooke Fortunato, Ridgewood High School, "International Development"

We would like to congratulate them all! We look forward to hearing about their future successes. 

Applications for the Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award will be open again in 2019! Keep an eye out!