MSAN expands leadership capacity and is dedicated to elevating youth voices through partnership and research.
A national coalition of multiracial and multicultural school districts that learn, grow, and work together to realize the vision that all students experience an inclusive and excellent education.
"Meeting with this select group of superintendents reinforces and builds commitment/capacity to address diversity as a strength, not a challenge."
MSAN Superintendent
Benefits of Membership
MSAN membership provides an array of benefits to school districts, including opportunities to:
Elevate youth voices and partner with youth for impactful change in your school district
Participate in MSAN’s youth voice research practice partnership
Access youth development and leadership programming for middle school and high school students, including an in-person 3-day high school student conference
Collaborate in communities of practice for superintendents and district leaders focused on increasing and expanding leadership capacity
Engage and explore new ideas and promising practices with education experts, researchers, and veteran education leaders through professional learning and the annual MSAN Institute
Access online resources and more!
Apply for Membership
Application coming soon…
MSAN is currently accepting applications for membership as we actively look to expand our network.
Characteristics of MSAN Districts
District size
MSAN districts are large enough to have staff capacity to support MSAN efforts, small enough to be manageable, and have some similarities to other MSAN districts. MSAN’s target districts are those that are small to midsize.
Student Demographics
MSAN districts have a racially and culturally diverse student population.
Alignment to MSAN Values
MSAN districts have a demonstrated commitment to elevating student voice, advancing educational equity, and eliminating disparities and creating schools where all students thrive.
Commitment to Research and Collaboration
MSAN districts are committed to participating in and upholding the value of educational research and ongoing collaboration as a critical tool for school improvement.
The MSAN Governing Board considers the characteristics above when determining whether a district will be accepted as a new member of MSAN. None of the items are absolutes, but are considered guiding factors in the review and selection process. Districts must demonstrate the capacity to fulfill the expectations and obligations of network members. Finally, during the selection process, consideration will be given to expanding the network to new regions of the country.
Application Process
To be considered for membership in the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN), interested districts are asked to prepare an application that includes:
- Current demographic information about the district;
- Information regarding current efforts to elevate student voice, advance equity and improve achievement, access, and outcomes for students of color; and
- Explanation of why the district wants to join the network and how membership in MSAN will support its efforts to advance educational equity in the district.
The superintendent of a school district initiates the MSAN membership application process.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; however, new members are encouraged to join during the summer months, before the start of the new school year, so that staff and students can take full advantage of the entire year’s MSAN benefits and activities. Once received, membership applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee, who make a recommendation to the MSAN Governing Board. The Governing Board makes the final decisions regarding membership.
Membership Fee
Districts pay an annual membership fee, which covers the majority of the cost of participation in network programs and activities. In addition, members pay an additional discounted registration fee to attend MSAN events/conferences. Travel and lodging for MSAN events and activities are the responsibility of the district.
MSAN’s goal is to keep network membership affordable for districts of all sizes. Therefore, the network regularly solicits sponsors and donors to support network conferences, convenings and activities. Contact us for more information on network fees.