Community Classroom | The Role of the Community in Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline

This panel will discuss the role of the community and schools, in particular, in reducing the number of individuals entering the prison system. Speaking from respective areas of expertise, the moderated panel will discuss the possibilities and challenges of this work, as well as share ideas about how communities can come together to support members most vulnerable to incarceration.

Speakers:

Dr. Ericka Walters

Dr. Ericka Walters holds a doctorate in education. She has served as a dedicated educator, advocate and scholar in K-12 and higher education for more than 20 years. She is the founder and CEO of Launching Legacies, a faith-based non-profit that helps individuals and families set and achieve goals and make significant life changes using positive psychology. This work now extends into the classroom through Dr. Walters’ work with transitional-aged youth (ages 16-25).

Harry B. Grant Jr.

Harry Grant, Jr., is a registered drug and alcohol counselor. Since his incarceration, he has devoted his time to public sector and private, faith-based interventions with the intention of “being of service to God and man.” Grant has experience with credit bearing and non-credit bearing prison education, and has nearly completed his associates degree in Social Sciences. He is also a graduate of The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), where he completed his seminary training in christian leadership. He aims to complete a master of arts degree in theology and ministry from Fuller Seminary.

Emmanuel “Manny” Garcia

Emmanuel “Manny” Garcia is a middle/high school counselor for the Soap Lake School District in Soap Lake, Washington. Over the past six years, he has been called upon by educators, high schools, community agencies, universities, community colleges, and religious organizations to facilitate discussions that motivate students all across the region, and more specifically to encourage and inspire students in support of their career aspirations and academic interests. He is an alumnus of Big Bend Community College, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and the TRiO Student Support Services program. He is currently earning a master’s of sciences at Gonzaga University and Capella University. In addition to serving his community as a school counselor, he is also the project consultant/assistant program manager for Building The Bridges East – a mentorship program for at-risk youth (ages 12-18), whose organizational mission is to reduce youth crime and violence in Washington state.