ABOUT US
WE ARE DISMANTLING THE
CRADLE-TO-PRISON PIPELINE FOR CHILDREN OF COLOR AND CHILDREN IN POVERTY THROUGH EDUCATION.
Children of Color are vastly overrepresented throughout each stage of the juvenile justice system.
Young people from three racial and ethnic groups — Black, Latino and white — account for the vast majority of the youth population (ages 10 to 17) both in their jurisdictions and in detention.
9.7x
Black youth account for about 17% of the population ages 10 to 17 in survey sites that provided disaggregated data as of January 2023. Yet Black youth accounted for 75% of the growth in youth detention in those sites from January 2021 to January 2023.
Black Youth Detention Rate vs White
Detention Per 100,000
Ages 10-17 | January of Each Year
Black
White
69
6.2x
11
98
8.5x
11
112
9.7x
12
*Juvenile Detention | Annie E Casey Foundation July 2023
The question about the nature and severity of the crimes is one that is often brought up in conversations surrounding the problem, but "National statistics show that nonwhite youth, and especially Black youth, are more likely to be detained than white youth across every category of offending." This is a cause for concern.
Youth Detention By Race and Ethnicity
Share of overall population vs. share of detention population
Share of youth population (ages 10-17) in survey sites
Share of 2023 youth detention population in survey sites
WHITE YOUTH ARE SIGNIFICANTLY UNDERREPRESENTED
55%
17%
22%
21%
53%
8%
6%
18%
*Juvenile Detention | Annie E Casey Foundation July 2023
BLACK YOUTH ARE SIGNIFICANTLY OVERRESPRESENTED IN DETENTION
When our youth face incarceration, it ignites a perilous cycle, leading to increased probabilities of enduring poverty, unemployment, limited education, and further involvement in the justice system. While this problem is daunting, its reversibility demands dedicated efforts and time. Recognizing these disheartening statistics over a decade ago, Judge Regina Walter, after introspection and acknowledging her part in these trends, embarked on a mission for change.
Education will change the narrative
We envision a world where all children reach their full potential and where no individual's value is discounted because of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability.
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To challenge the status quo, ECOC stands as a community-driven entity dedicated to nurturing the growth of young learners, educators, parents, and professionals.
Equity
Fueling the fire of justice and closing opportunity gaps for all people.
Empowerment
Igniting resilience, courage, and endless possibilities.
Education
Illuminating minds, unlocking potential, and paving brighter pathways.
Our Impact
With the help of the partners, donors, volunteers, and more
we have been reaching new heights as an organization. It is important we practice maximum transparency as we expand our horizons to reach more students, educators, and other professionals across Colorado's education landscape.
While it is challenging to measure the actual, intrinsic impact we are making on the lives of our participants, we are proud to report these metrics:
29
Major Sponsors in 2023
We pride ourselves in the partnerships we make with corporate entities and foundations across the state. With their help our fight to dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline through education becomes more attainable.
$628k
Awarded Scholarship Funds
Our scholarship fund continues to grow year after year, and, to date, we've granted $628,000 in scholarship funds to students who participate in our annual ECOC Summit.
1,300+
2024 Summit Participants
Between the 100+ volunteers, 80+ speakers, and 1,000 participants (big and small) our Summit was comprised of more than 1,300 people — learning about our mission and how to accomplish our vision.
Annual Reports
Become a Sponsor
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors for their invaluable support in driving our mission forward. Together, we empower children of color, promote equity, and dismantle the Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline. Thank you for championing educational opportunities and positive change.
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