Project title: Rewriting the Narrative: School-Based Community Programs to Disrupt the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Project description: How do different community organizing/extracurricular activities (such as athletics, the performing arts, music, school clubs, and community programs) combat the school-to-prison pipeline? How can these programs be implemented during the school day to maximize their accessibility and impact? The school-to-prison pipeline originates from zero-tolerance disciplinary policies that disproportionately punish students of color for minor infractions, pushing them out of schools and into the criminal justice system. Existing research demonstrates that community-based initiatives and extracurricular programming can disrupt this pipeline by fostering supportive relationships between students and others in the community. However, there is a gap in the research in determining which types of community organizing have the greatest impact. Moreover, many existing community organizing programs or extracurricular activities occur after school, limiting participation for those with employment, family, or financial barriers. Based on current literature, I plan to research how predictors in high school (like grades, absenteeism, and graduation rates) impact life outcomes (like criminal record). Then, I will analyze the benefits of community activities and programming, like group cohesion, emotional expression, and creativity, based on existing literature. Finally, I will analyze whether these benefits influence predictors in high school. I also hope to conduct an ethnographic study to understand the benefits that high school students derive from their involvement in clubs, extracurricular activities, or community programs. From this research, I hope to identify opportunities for impactful community organizing within schools to shape public policy. Schools may be able to receive more funding for initiatives that can combat the school-to-prison pipeline, and educators will be more knowledgeable about effective intervention strategies.
Most important achievement: Yet to come
Reflections on the College Scholar Program: In collaborating with other College Scholars, I am grateful to be surrounded by genuine and passionate people who encourage me to approach my interests from different perspectives.