Redefining merit for a more inclusive learning experience.
Changing the world is possible. We do it every day.
TJAAG is a group of more than 1,000 TJ alumni that seeks to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and innovation within STEM education in order to develop well-rounded and ethical 21st-century leaders. As alumni, we also seek an admissions policy at TJHSST that promotes student representation, reflecting its draw districts, and creates an improved anti-racist student experience that provides the quality educational experience needed to grow future STEM leaders.
TJAAG is focused on driving change in the following areas to achieve its core objectives:
▪ Re-designing Virginia’s Governor’s Schools admissions process to be more equitable and result in representation of the makeup of the respective draw districts
▪ Increasing and providing consistent, effective access in all communities to resources and messaging that recruits and prepares kids for specialty programs, advanced academics, and experiential opportunities
▪ Mandating an anti-racist curriculum that includes more resources and support for under-represented groups, to provide a healthy learning environment for all Virginia students
What’s TJAAG’s plan?
▪ Leverage our network of 1,000+ alumni, parents, community partnerships, and professional contacts to rally for change
▪ Share perspectives and solutions that reflect lived experiences and genuine concern for current and future students; bring firsthand knowledge of how limited diversity and inclusion within schools like TJ can negatively impact students in higher education/careers
▪ Distribute readily available materials that can be used to support the goals and mission of TJAAG, including an in-depth study on the history of admissions at TJ, a list of potential solutions for improving the admissions policy, and draft plans for implementing an anti-racist curriculum
“I stand with #TJAAG because all students should be welcome at TJ regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.”
— Kristin Wong, Class of 2007
The Data*
Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) Students:
25.9% Hispanic, 9.8% Black, 14.7 SwD**, 29% FARPL***
TJHSST Students:
2.6% Hispanic, 1.7 % Black, 0.9% SwD**, 2.4% FARPL***
*Source: 2020 FCPS Website and 2019-2020 FCPS Data
**Students with Disabilities
***Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FARPL)
“As a second-generation immigrant and first-generation college grad, I stand with TJAAG because the research is clear: systemic racism is real and we can make things better.”
– Marwan Sbitani, Class of 2008
We are a committed group of volunteers from diverse backgrounds: Black, Latinx, Asian, White, Indigenous, mixed-race, women, men, parents and non-parents, married and single, immigrants and non-immigrants, English language learners and native speakers, and lived experience across the socioeconomic spectrum.
“I stand with #TJAAG because as an educator, I believe a complete education is a diverse education. I want all learners to experience a TJ that values each and every student.”
— Lauren Wagner, Class of 2000
TJAAG Resources
