Michelson 20MM is proud to continue supporting Impact Justice’s important work in the smart justice space by awarding them a 2024 Michelson Spark Grant. Through the Spark Grant, they will create pathways to higher education for justice-involved youth. The grant will fund the launch of the California Justice Leaders Postsecondary Pathways Program (CJLP3), a new initiative that builds on our prior investment in their California Justice Leaders (CJL) program and takes it to new heights by directly addressing the needs of young people incarcerated or recently released.
Building on a Strong Foundation: The CJL Program
In 2019, funded in part by a Spark Grant, Impact Justice launched the CJL program, an AmeriCorps initiative designed to serve justice-impacted young adults. Through the program, CJL members—credible messengers who have lived experience with the justice system—work as reentry navigators in nonprofit organizations, providing mentorship, advocacy, and direct support to those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.
Five years later, CJL has grown into a powerful network of over 100 members. “Seeing the California Justice Leaders program continue to grow since Michelson 20MM’s initial investment has demonstrated the power of their community-based model,” Kenia Miranda Verdugo, Smart Justice Program Manager shared. “As CJL continues to scale, it’s clear that the next logical step is expanding into educational access for budding minds. That’s where the Postsecondary Pathways Program (CJLP3) comes into play.”
Expanding Access to Higher Education: The CJLP3 Initiative
The new CJLP3 program addresses a critical gap for youth involved in the justice system. CJLP3 focuses on “secure track” youth, up to age 25, who are incarcerated or recently released and facing extended sentences for serious offenses. The program helps juvenile judges and other justice-system actors leverage educational opportunities as sentencing solutions.
“By ensuring that educational success is recognized by the justice system, we open the door for young people to reintegrate into society as educated, skilled individuals who can successfully reintegrate into their communities,” Kenia reflected.
What Makes CJLP3 Innovative?
- Create Bridges Between Education and Justice Systems: CJLP3 recognizes the discretion juvenile justice judges have when it comes to the future of incarcerated youth. They can even consider rehabilitation and education as forms of sentence relief. By fostering communication between judges, other court officials, and higher educational institutions, CJLP3 will ensure that the educational progress of incarcerated youth is safeguarded.
- Scale a Proven Model: Building on the success of the Laney College’s Restoring our Communities (ROC) model in Alameda County, CJLP3 will scale the effort statewide. By embedding these practices within CJL’s network of over 60 members, the program can help hundreds of young people navigate the complexities of higher education while incarcerated and during reentry.
- Conduct a Landscape Analysis: The CJLP3 Program Manager will conduct a landscape analysis of the judges, institutions for higher education, and detention facilities in the counties where CJL members currently operate. This will be used to empower members as they begin developing professional working relationships with these institutions.
Leveraging Previous Success for Greater Impact
Michelson 20MM is excited to continue our partnership with Impact Justice. We are confident that this new program will further advance equitable opportunities for those impacted by the justice system.
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
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