John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity

John Jay College’s Institute for Justice and Opportunity (IJO) is proud to uplift the voices of our students and alumni — and this week, that commitment was powerfully demonstrated. Two outstanding alumni of IJO’s Prison-to-College Pathways (P2CP) program, spoke at the CUNY Board of Trustees Committee on Student Life meeting, sharing their experiences navigating higher education as justice-impacted students. Their remarks were honest, courageous, and deeply moving — a testament to the strength and brilliance of our community. Their voices were not only heard, but embraced with genuine respect and appreciation. Special thank you to the P2CP team, led by Denisse Martinez, Director of the Prison-to-College Pathways Program at IJO, for making this opportunity possible — and to everyone at IJO, our partners at Borough of Manhattan Community College for providing the two-year degree pathway, The CUNY Black Male Initiative (BMI) for its ongoing support, and colleagues across CUNY who continue to uplift, guide, and advocate for our students and alumni. This is what leadership looks like — and we hope it's the first of many moments where our students help shape the future of higher education. Watch their remarks here (The P2CP section begins at 27:45): https://lnkd.in/eXuQpZKY #PrisonToCollegePathway #JusticeImpactedStudents #CUNY #StudentLeadership #JohnJayCollege #InstituteForJusticeAndOpportunity #SecondChances #EducationEquity #ReentrySuccess #LivedExperienceLeadership

Celebrating Women's History Month by honoring the incredible work of Susan Burton, a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform and founder of A New Way of Life (ANWOL) Reentry Project. Her personal journey, from overcoming personal tragedy to dedicating her life to helping women break the cycle of incarceration, inspires us all. At the heart of her work lies the mission of empowering those impacted by the criminal legal system and opening doors to opportunity. We at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, like Susan, are committed to breaking down barriers and paving the way for equitable futures. 💜 #WomensHistoryMonth #SusanBurton #Reentry

Flashback Friday: Our Tow Fellows attended the 2025 SOMOS Conference in Albany, New York, where they engaged in discussions on technology advocacy, and explored how innovation is shaping the justice system. Fellows gained valuable insights into technology's role in law, policy, and community development, highlighting its potential to address inequities and promote fairness. They also contributed as key volunteers, assisting with registration and chaperoning participants, further enriching their understanding of tech-driven advocacy for equity and justice.

Have you registered for the conference yet! Whether you're a scholar, practitioner, or passionate advocate, this is your opportunity to engage with critical topics and network with like-minded individuals. Together, we can bridge education, social work, and justice to build a more equitable society. Visit this link to register to attend: bit.ly/ACSJ2025

We're honoring Angela Davis this Women's History Month for her unwavering commitment to social justice. From her activism with the Black Panther Party to her fight for the Soledad Brothers, Angela's courage and dedication to dismantling oppressive systems have inspired generations. Her journey, which includes a wrongful imprisonment that sparked global attention, emphasizes the need for reform within the criminal legal system. At the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, we stand on the shoulders of trailblazers like Angela, advocating for institutional and structural change. We are dedicated to opening doors of opportunity for those impacted by the criminal legal system. #WomensHistoryMonth #AngelaDavis #SocialJustice

Are you.. or someone you know ready to take their first step toward higher education? 📚 Our FREE College Exploration program is designed for justice-impacted individuals and will guide you through everything you need to know about planning for college, choosing a major, setting goals, and more! Don't miss out—attend a virtual info session and get started on your educational journey today! #JusticeAndOpportunity #CollegeExploration #HigherEdForAll

✨ Honoring a Civil Rights Icon ✨ During #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the life and legacy of the late Hazel N. Dukes, a fearless leader, tireless advocate, and a champion for justice. As president of the NY State NAACP for nearly 50 years, she fought for voting rights, fair housing, education, and economic empowerment. Her impact was felt from the streets of New York to the highest levels of government. A mentor, a trailblazer, a force for change—Hazel Dukes paved the way for generations to come. Rest in power. 🕊️ #HazelDukes #NAACP #BlackHistory #WomensHistory

Repost from Prison Policy Initiative This new research highlights the devastating impact of mass incarceration—showing that the harmful effects of jails reach far beyond those behind bars. As we continue to fight for justice reform, it's critical to recognize that higher incarceration rates are linked to increased death rates, particularly for Black communities and women. These findings underscore the urgent need to address not just the system of incarceration, but the broader social, health, and economic inequalities that it perpetuates. The fight for justice is not just about reforming prisons—it’s about healing communities. #MassIncarceration #CriminalJusticeReform #HealthEquity #EndSystemicRacism #JusticeForAll #ReimagineJustice

This month and every month we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women who have fought for justice and opportunity throughout history. At the Institute for Justice and Opportunity we continue this legacy by empowering women impacted by the justice system to achieve lasting change. #WomensHistoryMonth #Empowerment