Introducing our Third Cohort of Justice Fellows

Everyone deserves a chance — and some people need a second, maybe even a third. Here at EdTrust, we believe that every student should get a high-quality education to live the life of their choosing, regardless of their race, identity, or circumstances.

Choosing to pursue higher education should not be fraught with barriers. And yet, in this moment, we find ourselves in a crucial juncture where equitable education is under scrutiny at both the federal and state levels that are affecting schools and college campuses across the country. And for justice-impacted individuals, the barriers are even higher.

That’s why, in 2021, we started the Justice Policy Fellowship. After two successful cohorts, we have embarked on our third cohort of fellows.

As Justice Fellows, they provide a perspective on higher education policy within and beyond prison settings — no one can voice better than one’s personal experience. This has immense potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of many other justice-impacted people who want to pursue their education.

Out of more than 300 applicants from across the country, we have selected eight outstanding individuals to participate in this yearlong fellowship. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to higher education and social justice are nothing short of inspiring. Together, they will harness their collective energy and expertise to drive positive change in the realm of higher education policy and beyond. Here are their names and their home state:

• Roderick Jackson, TX
• Arianna Mellinger, TX
• Adam Lay, TX
• Andre Sorrell, MD
• Vanessa Garrett, GA
• Barbi Brown, TN
• Spencer McCray, NJ
• Mirvais Aminy, CA

We are confident that each fellow brings a unique perspective, skillset, and passion to the table and we look forward to witnessing the impact they will make in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Advice for New Cohort Members

@edtrust We asked some graduates of our second cohort of Justice Policy Fellows to share a little advice for the latest cohort. Here’s what Shannon and Rabia had to say. #reentry #justicefellows #prisoneducation #highered #PrisonPolicy #justiceimpacted ♬ original sound – The Education Trust

Biggest Takeaways from Past Cohort Members

@edtrust We asked some graduates of our second cohort of Justice Policy Fellows to share a few of their biggest takeaways from the program. Here’s what Antonio and Kittrell had to say. #reentry #HigherEducation #JusticeFellows #prisonpolicy #prisoneducation ♬ original sound – The Education Trust