Simone Gbolo, MA student in the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, presented her thesis research, “Improving student experiences in school: The African American Student Network,” at the Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) Annual Convention. The African American Student network (AFAM), originally developed to support African American students at the U of MN, was implemented at the high school level to support and create a stronger sense of belonging for African American students. AFAM provided space for 9th-12th grade African American students to discuss their experiences, address concerns, and build community. AFAM participants met once a week for 45 minutes in group discussions that were facilitated by African American administrators. The core outcomes that emerged from the qualitative data suggest that AFAM supports students in a way that affects their ability to cope in their school environment. The data also indicates that AFAM creates a strong sense of belonging for African American students that could potentially influence their academic outcomes.