About Us

The Tennessee Student Equity Leadership Board (TSELB) is a youth-led coalition of high school students from across the state of Tennessee committed to advancing equity, justice, and civic engagement. Founded on the belief that students deserve a seat at the table in shaping the policies that impact their lives, the Board brings together youth from a broad spectrum of racial, socioeconomic, geographic, educational, and gender backgrounds to advocate for a more just Tennessee.

Through policy advocacy, peer mobilization, and public education, members of the Board work to dismantle discriminatory legislation and address systemic inequities in education, civil rights, and youth opportunity. The Board serves as a platform for young leaders to share their lived experiences, collaborate across districts, and develop actionable solutions to some of Tennessee’s most urgent challenges, including: school funding disparities, youth incarceration, climate change, and gun control.

The Board meets bi-weekly via virtual forums on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM Central Time. These meetings serve as critical spaces for youth dialogue, guest speakers, campaign planning, and state-wide organizing. Each session uplifts student voice and promotes cross-cultural understanding, while equipping members with the skills to advocate effectively at both local and state levels.

Board members contribute to a number of ongoing initiatives, including:

• Youth Policy Campaigns: Collaborating with legislators, school boards, and advocacy organizations to influence state policy and promote youth-informed solutions to discriminatory or inequitable laws
   
• Student Equity Publication: Producing a student-led equity newspaper that features original writing, investigative journalism, and opinion pieces centered on justice-related issues across Tennessee schools and communities
   
• Community Forums & Teach-Ins: Hosting public events and town halls to spark intergenerational conversations on racial equity, education reform, and youth civic power
   
• Student Advocacy Toolkits:  Student-designed guides, lesson plans, and curricula that equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to lead impactful advocacy efforts in their schools and communities
   

Applications to the Board are accepted on a rolling basis. Most applicants will receive a decision within two weeks of submission. We welcome students of all backgrounds who are eager to make an impact and work collectively toward a more equitable future

If you are a student that is ready to lead change in your community and amplify the power of youth voices across Tennessee, we invite you to join us