National Conflict Resolution Center, Prebys Foundation Announce Collaboration to Disrupt School-to-Prison Pipeline

The National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) has been awarded a $1.25 million, two-year grant from the Conrad Prebys Foundation for its transformational work to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. The funding will enable NCRC to scale its school intervention and Thrive programs, with the goal of increasing connection, accountability, and prospects for success among San Diego youth. The two initiatives build on NCRC's decade-long collaborations with school districts, community organizations, and governmental partners to change the way we think about – and deal with – student misbehavior.

The work of NCRC's the school intervention and the Thrive initiative are both anchored in restorative justice practices, interventions that are used in schools in response to incidents of student isolation and bullying; and in the Juvenile Diversion Initiative (JDI), a pioneering alternative to prosecution when young people are arrested. NCRC developed and administers the JDI on behalf of the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.

The collaborators supporting this project include: NCRC, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, and Prebys Foundation who all share the values and vision driving this initiative:

• Value of Young People: Young people are bright, creative, innovators, and the future of our communities and our prosperous economy. They deserve all our support and opportunities to thrive.
• Removing Barriers: Youth growth and potential are often disrupted by punitive practices in schools and in the community, which can lead them down the path to incarceration.
• Providing Effective Alternatives: NCRC develops alternatives to incarceration that keep youth in schools and in their communities where they belong, where they can grow, and prosper. In partnership with the Prebys Foundation, NCRC will be able to expand its programs to ensure more youth are on track to live their lives to their fullest potential.

NCRC will use the funding to hire additional case managers; recruit new direct service community partners; and enhance program evaluation efforts. More schools and students will be served through NCRC's partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education.

"Our schools are uniquely positioned to become places of community transformation and social mobility. It starts with building a sense of belonging among all students, as our work with NCRC will show,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. Dr. Ciriza believes that students have a key role to play to ensure an end to bullying. As engaged citizens, young people have an opportunity to transform from being bystanders to becoming upstanders, advocating for and normalizing care and concern for each other.

In addition, Prebys funding will facilitate expansion of Thrive, a program for youth who have completed the JDI. Participants in Thrive develop new skills to succeed in work and school, with accountability for setting and achieving goals.

Steven Dinkin, NCRC president, believes a comprehensive solution is needed to ensure that young people thrive, well into adulthood. Dinkin said, "We are grateful to the Prebys Foundation for their tremendous show of confidence in our work. With their support, we will build a model that can be replicated across the country."

"The young generation is our most valuable resource. Investing time in guiding them towards decisions that open up future prospects is key to our collective prosperity," said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. "When youth have a sense of purpose, feel like they belong, and have real opportunity grounded in community, we know young people will grow and thrive. We express our gratitude to NCRC for their foresight and guidance in ensuring that our future is entrusted to competent, nurtured, and innovative individuals."

"NCRC is building the nation's largest system for disrupting the pipeline to prison," said Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney. "Their groundbreaking approach engages all stakeholders who are interested in youth outcomes, starting in schools."