SJP uses special education law to ensure that older court-involved students with disabilities receive the quality education they deserve, both during incarceration and after – combatting the intersecting crises of educational inequity and mass incarceration that disproportionately affect students of color with disabilities. Early on, SJP emerged as a leader, focusing on advocacy efforts to support the release of as many young people as possible (jails are dangerous places during a pandemic) and better conditions for those who remain. It fought for access to necessities like soap and water, and critical supports including mental health services and education. SJP works with reentry organizations and service providers to ensure that returning youth have housing, access to food, clothing, social services, and, as school reopens, the educational supports they need. These young people have been dealt a tough hand in life. Help SJP change it.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students


  • Number of clients we serve annually:   47
  • Number of hours of advocacy we engage in annually:   6000
  • % of clients re-enrolled in school after working with SJP:   98
  • % of clients engaged in the labor force:   89
  • Value of tuition funds and support services (tutoring, behavior support, evaluations and client assistance funds:   $500,000

Awards & Recognition

- 2013 Echoing Green and Open Society Foundations Black Male Achievement Fellowship

- 2014 Teach For America Social Innovation Award
- 2015 Aspen Institute's Urban Innovation Lab
- 2016 Aspen Scholar

Press

Budget (FY2015)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for School Justice Project is: Less than $500k

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