32 episodes
Our Social Impact Dirk Van Velzen - Prison Scholar Fund
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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Our Social Impact is long-form, in-depth conversation exploring the positive impacts today’s social entrepreneurs, policy makers, and scholars are making on our world.
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Ep#033, Marlon Chamberlain, Stopping Gang Violence Before It Starts
Marlon Chamberlain, Englewood Community Project Manager for READI Chicago, discusses his work with Dirk van Velzen, CEO at the Prison Scholar Fund, in this episode of Our Social Impact. Marlon reflects on violent crime prevention strategies employed by READI Chicago and the effects of underinvestment in South Chicago communities. Dirk and Marlon also discuss reacclimating to life after prison and creating positive reference groups in at-risk communities
https://youtu.be/HYtNmbfjrP8
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Ep#032, Salena Taylor, Shattering the Mold
Salena Taylor, Founder of Partial to Girls, joins Dirk van Velzen, CEO at the Prison Scholar Fund in this episode of Our Social Impact. Salena discusses overcoming the trauma of incarceration, the difficulties of life on parole, and the barriers faced by those reentering society from prison. Dirk and Salena also dive deeper into how Jackson College in Michigan is assisting incarcerated people access education and invest in the future.
https://youtu.be/YCKPeRFRQBM
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Ep#031, Juan Flores, From Expecting Prison to Considering a PhD
Juan Flores, a member of the Underground Scholars program at U.C. Berkeley, explores his unlikely journey to college with the Founder and CEO of the Prison Scholar Fund, Dirk van Velzen. Juan discusses his incredible journey from prison to the top public university in California. Tune in to learn about Juan’s current research at Berkeley, the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people seeking education, and how Underground Scholars is making college possible for those with criminal convictions.
https://youtu.be/EgkgPqdCyzI
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Ep#030, Not Getting “Lost in the Shuffle”
Hakim Crampton, Founder and Director of AMEN 4 Youth, sits down with Dirk van Velzen, Founder and CEO at the Prison Scholar Fund, to discuss his experience with the Innocence Project, life on parole, and his current work as a juvenile justice advocate. In this episode, Dirk and Hakim swap stories from their experiences going through the clemency and parole systems, and from their time with JustLeadershipUSA. Hakim also does a deep dive into his work teaching students hip-hop and rap to improve their literacy levels and classroom engagement.
https://youtu.be/4C5Glqz8jhU
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Ep#029, Supporting First Generation College Students
Michael Cheever, College Success Foundation Executive Vice President of External Affairs, and Anthony Peterson, Alumni Board Member, share their experience supporting first generation college students with Dirk van Velzen, CEO at the Prison Scholar Fund. Hear about the evolution of College Success Foundation from a scholarship awarding organization to an academic support system for students beginning in middle school and running through college . Michael, Anthony, and Dirk also discuss structuring effective mentorship programs and creating robust community partnerships to promote college-going cultures in underserved communities.
https://youtu.be/STuKJDL6Aac
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Ep#028, Disrupting the Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline
Listen in as Almetta Pitts, Founder of Attemla Consulting and TeamChild board member, joins Dirk van Velzen, CEO at the Prison Scholar Fund, to discuss interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. Almetta brings her insight to undoing institutional racism, addressing implicit bias, and viewing the prison system through a human lens. Learn about Almetta’s path from teaching in South Korea to her work promoting diversity, equity, and belonging here in the United States.
https://youtu.be/3jOK8IP-1fg
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