$25,000 / 2018
https://padresunidos.org/
With roots in the struggle for educational justice, Padres & Jovenes Unidos (PJU) has evolved into a multi-issue intergenerational organization led by people of color who work for educational excellence, racial justice, immigrant rights, and quality healthcare for all. This renewal grant will enable PJU to continue to build youth leadership and power toward ending the School to Jail Track in Colorado, including intensive reform in Denver, increasing Denver Public School (DPS) accountability around disciplinary policy, continuing the College Prep for All initiative and continue their support for a range of state and national initiatives to increase immigrant student access to higher education, and ensuring health justice in Denver Public Schools. Last year, PJU successfully convinced Denver Public Schools to create the new “Safe and Welcoming Schools” program to implement procedures and practices that would keep undocumented students and families safe from ICE and other forms of discrimination. Over the coming year, PJU will organize to curtail significantly the role of law enforcement in school discipline and organize to fully implement the DPS Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution.