The middle school years are marked by a critical interplay of biological, cognitive, and social development, which collectively shape adolescents' experiences and developmental trajectories. Recognizing the complexity of these processes is crucial for creating nurturing environments that support adolescents' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Particularly, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth, neurodivergent youth, and homeless and foster youth face unique and multifaceted challenges during middle school. Addressing these challenges requires understanding their distinct needs and providing equitable and targeted supports to foster an inclusive educational environment. The Equitable Empowerment Program includes a universal screening tool that was developed to guide school staff in implementing specialized support through clubs and activities based on student feedback, aiming to enhance belonging, equity, and community involvement. By addressing these specific needs, schools can create environments that empower all students to succeed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]