Independent schools strive to foster inclusive communities by admitting families from a variety of backgrounds and family structures. Despite many school’s efforts, underrepresented populations often face barriers to accessing these educational opportunities or don’t feel comfortable with the process. Affinity groups (groups that share an aspect of identity) can be a way for school communities to increase belonging and embrace change. How might these affinity groups be leveraged to make the admission process more accessible? Admission initiatives not only benefit the students and families involved but also enrich the entire school community by promoting more diverse and inclusive environments. In our presentation, we will identify common challenges faced by underrepresented populations in the admission process. These challenges may include a lack of awareness of independent schools in general, or a lack of connection to the school specifically. Sometimes issues of cultural difference or perceived difference exist. Additionally, families may have financial constraints, sticker shock, or no knowledge about the financial aid opportunities. We will begin by discussing systemic issues and implicit biases that may hinder the admission process. We will then brainstorm with participants around individual school demographic challenges. Last, we will share ideas for successful admission events that both target specific audiences and also promote belonging. By the end of this workshop, participants should understand the importance of affinity groups in admission efforts. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and implement admission events that effectively reach and support their underrepresented populations.