Don’t Oppress Youth Success

Project Theme: School-to-Prison Pipeline Prevention

Years in Existence: 3

Target Audience and Location: Students at Dexter McCarty Middle School.

Mission: Through education and advocacy, we inspire educators to utilize positive relationship-building and restorative justice practices while connecting caring high school mentors of color to middle schoolers who need them most.

Project Description: In response to the disproportionate impact of school disciplining and the juvenile justice system on young men of color, founding Scholars Kim Cortes-Martinez and educator Cyrus Harshfield launched a mentorship program pairing high school students with sixth graders. This year, the team is expanding DOYS through mentor trainings, multiple mentorship cohorts, and school-wide events that foster connection and community. Alongside these efforts, they are building sustainability by developing new student leaders and strengthening partnerships with school and district stakeholders.