Equity in Developmental, Education and Mental Health Outcomes

At the University of Maryland College of Education, we recognize that persistent societal inequalities are often reflected and reinforced in educational settings. Our faculty, staff and students are dedicated to advancing social justice by fostering inclusive and culturally engaging learning environments and identifying opportunities for policy and programmatic interventions. EdTerps lead research, interventions and practices aimed at eliminating inequities in schools and society, with a special focus on supporting racially and ethnically minoritized populations, refugees and displaced youth, individuals with disabilities, and multilingual learners.

Initiatives and Programs

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
The Youth Mental Health First Aid training equips parents with the skills to recognize and address common signs of mental health issues in young people, while also enhancing their understanding of challenges faced by diverse youth.
Post-Masters Certificate Program for Counseling Services for Immigrant and Refugee Students
This certificate program equips counselors to help the growing immigrant and refugee student population navigate cultural and academic challenges.
Developing Inclusive Youth
An interactive in-classroom program designed to promote positive intergroup friendships and reduce bias.

Abria Simmons '25 Simmons braids the hair of volunteer Corbien Parker for a LEAD Lab project on developing best practices for styling Afro-textured hair for neuroscience research.

University of Maryland researchers use hair techniques to make studies more inclusive

How a Handful of K-12 Teachers Doubled Racial Gap in Disciplinary Referrals

A Black woman who looks under stress stands in front of a superhero silhouette and cape.

So Long, Superwoman

Research Centers and Labs

Emotions, Equity and Education Lab
A collaboration with educators and communities to improve socioemotional learning, literacy, and achievement for all students.
Family Involvement Laboratory
Focused on how parents' relationship quality and caregiving impact young children's development.
Language, Experience and Development (LEAD) Lab
A primary focus of the LEAD lab is to better understand both the causes and consequences of socioeconomic disparities in learning and development, and how translational cognitive neuroscience may better support educational equity.
Postsecondary Transition and Equity Lab
Driven by an equity-focused mission, the lab promotes culturally affirming and meaningful life outcomes for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Reading Engagement and Diversity (READ) Lab
A lab that studies literacy development in linguistically diverse students from a cognitive and motivational perspective.

Impact Areas