Diversity Awareness Leadership Training - or DALT - is a program provided through The Adventure Centre. DALT has been providing services at both Phoenix High School and Kalamazoo Central High School. Site Coordinator Deb Faling says that this program reaches across all boundaries and groups to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere, which offers students and staff alike the opportunity to explore ideas and emotions, coming away with a greater understanding of the diversity that make up both school climate and the larger community. 

Over 30 students participated in a 4-day overnight intensive retreat during which they educate one another on challenges faced every day such as bullying and prejudice. By listening to their peers, students gained a new awareness of themselves and one another. They practiced skills such as dialogue, responding to bigotry and effective communication. The connections created and positive feelings generated during the retreat and other DALT events can be translated back into daily life. They are asked to brainstorm creative ways to take their knowledge and skills back to the community and write out a detailed action plan. Students return to school energized, excited to carry out very concrete plans. DALT provides a true lifeline to participants and gives them the tools to reach out to others. The program has strong support from Kalamazoo Central High School staff members Erin Ruble, Rob Bradford and Jennifer Young who are part of the 4 day retreat as well as the in-school meetings. Kalamazoo Central and Phoenix students say it best:

"DALT is spreading around our school because we all talk to each other and people want to know how we learned to do it."