A new initiative to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students is underway at the high school and recently got a boost with a $5,000 grant.

Old Rochester Regional High School nurse Kim Corazzini and school social worker Kerri Dowdall are working to start a gay and lesbian alliance for students.

“I’m concerned for our kids, that everyone feels welcome and safe here,” Corazzini said.

With the grant from the Lipsky-Whittaker Fund, part of the Commumity Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, Corazzini and Dowdall are getting staff, parents and students the training they need to better understand and support the LGBT community.

“The goal for this year was to do the groundbreaking,” Corazzini said.

Before the alliance starts up, Corazzini and Dowdall have set up training to provide a good foundation within the schools. In December, around 30 teachers from tri-town schools attended a training session.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25 ORR high school students will receive training as well. Corazzini said the sessions will help students respect each other, stand up against discrimination and create more open dialog.

“From that our hope is we will get people who are interested in participating in the alliance,” Corazzini said. “Our hope is to start a weekly meeting this year. Let them define who they are and what they want it to look like.”

There will also be an info session for parents and community members at the high school on Monday, Feb. 23 where they can ask questions and voice concerns.

Up to this point, ORR hasn’t been a consistent group on campus to represent the LGBT community, but students and parents have approached Corazzini about starting a club.

“We have some great kids here at Old Rochester – many that are concerned and many that will want to offer support,” said Corazzini.

The initiative is also part of a larger effort at the state level to provide resources for and about LGBT students. Once the alliance is established, Corrazini hopes students can participate in state delegations and programs.