Growing up, I faced unique challenges that shaped my educational journey. When I was nine years old, my father was incarcerated, and my family had to adapt to a new reality. For me, education was a way to envision a brighter future despite hurdles.
About 2.7 million children in the United States currently have an incarcerated parent. Research shows that these kids, like me, experience academic challenges from an early age, including placement in special education, grade retention, poor teacher evaluations or even dropping out.
That’s why programs designed to support children of incarcerated parents are crucial for success. ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit organization that supports children of incarcerated parents, has had a tremendous impact on my life.
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When I was deciding between colleges, financial aid provided by ScholarCHIPS provided relief that allowed me to focus on education with confidence. But the support extended far beyond financial assistance. The organization created a sense of community so I wasn’t alone in my journey.
ScholarCHIPS’ personalized, community-based approach gave me a village of support. I found mentorship support and peer connection with those who shared my experiences, so I felt validated and understood.
I developed a close relationship with the organization’s founder, who has been an invaluable mentor and guiding presence in my life. Her personal touch and ongoing support—whether it was sending care packages during tough times or uplifting messages when I needed them most—made me feel truly seen, heard, and uplifted.
When I reflect on my educational journey, I realize how much it was shaped by the stereotypes that were placed on me—namely, the expectation was that I wouldn’t do well in school because of my circumstances.
Rather than succumbing to those expectations, I used it to fuel my drive for success. I applied to 27 colleges, determined to prove, first and foremost to myself, that I could aim for excellence despite the obstacles in my way. In large part thanks to ScholarCHIPS, I was able to attend a prestigious out-of-state university and pursue an education that would set me up for a meaningful career.
Edtech for children of incarcerated parents
Now, working as a community engagement specialist at Aventiv Technologies, I am hoping to close the digital divide for incarcerated families. One of my biggest hopes is that by increasing visibility for justice-impacted families, we can populate resources for children like me who often feel invisible within the system.
These resources are vital not just for academic achievement but also for providing emotional support and connection to broader communities that can empower these students to build brighter futures.
But there is still more work to be done. Schools need to offer more support for children of incarcerated parents. We need trusted groups on campus, counselors who understand what it’s like to navigate the complexities of incarceration and programs that provide the emotional and academic support justice-impacted students need to thrive.
Extending grace, resources and understanding can make all the difference.
As I continue to advocate for justice-impacted families, I remain dedicated to creating a future where every child feels supported, connected and empowered. The next generation of children of incarcerated parents deserves a world of opportunity—one in which their experiences can serve as building blocks for success rather than barriers.
With the right resources, support, and belief in our potential, we can rise above our circumstances and shape a future filled with hope, opportunity, and connection.
