Schools Not Prisons & BMOC
A successful youth-grassroots driven campaign to transform school discipline practices, transform justice systems, and center Boys & Young Men of Color.
#SchoolsNotPrisons partners helped transform the public narrative surrounding harsh school discipline by calling attention to systemic challenges and potential solutions, championing non-violence and youth activism and urging families to join the movement.
BHC partners advocated for more equitable funding of California’s schools through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) policy, which resulted in much-needed increased per-pupil spending and lower teacher-to-student ratios. Moreover, partners played an important role in implementing the policy to ensure that new dollars directly benefited students and families most-in-need. BHC led a powerful campaign to improve school climate, change the public narrative and raise awareness surrounding the “school-to-prison pipeline” and end harsh and overly punitive school discipline policies.
Alternatives such as restorative justice, healing, and other trauma-informed practices encompass a growing social movement to institutionalize non-punitive, relationship-centered approaches for avoiding and addressing harm, responding to violations of legal and human rights, and collaboratively solving problems.
When used in schools to address the root causes of harmful behavior, these approaches help find solutions that make it right for all parties involved without the student losing class time.
The work yielded a 50% decrease in suspensions statewide, contributing to more in-class time for teaching and learning. This school climate effort may have also contributed to an improvement in school graduation rates.
-
Millions
of people reached through the campaign since 2016 -
Hundreds
of artists connected with grassroots, youth-serving orgs -
100,000+
attended 30+ free arts & music festivals -
50%
Decrease in Suspensions Statewide
“We’ve seen what happens when young people have a chance to heal from trauma, to lead, and to create a vision for the kind of world they, and we, all want to live in.”
DR. ROBERT K. ROSS President & CEO, The California Endowment
Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross
Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years
Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted
Youth Awards 37 total awards given
Farmworker Health $50M initiative
TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded
Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA
Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board
Childhood Obesity & Freshworks $272M to expand access to fresh and healthy foods in low-income communities
CHIS 20,000 households interviewed annually to find health gaps in CA
Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs
Cultural Competency/Health Workforce/PRIME $78.2M to CA organizations working to boost the size and diversity of the state's healthcare workforce
TCE Headquarters 125,000+ use our facilities every year
Wishing Wall
Best wishes, Dr. Ross! I hope your days are filled with all the things that make you happy.
Bob,
We can’t thank you enough. Our wish is that you take some time to do what you want to do.
You’ve done so much for others. It’s time to DO YOU!
God bless,
- Steve & Jenn
Thank you for believing in us and the opportunities your faith in us have afforded so many. We wish tenfold those blessings on you.
- Alf LaMont
Dr. Ross,
The seeds you planted will bloom for generations to come!
You inspired me to keep endeavoring in education even when it's hard. Thank you.
Wishing you the best and a well deserved rest to enjoy the simple things in life.
Peace,
- Bob Alvarez (Balance PR)
Dear Bob,
Well done, good and faithful servant! Remember: you don’t get to retire from Saint Marks - ever.
- Carri
Bob:
Thanks for 24 years of service to TCE and all Californians! Enjoy your new adventures!
Dr. Ross,
I hope this next chapter fills you up as you get to witness the work and people you have nurtured for all these years.
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you all of the joy and relaxation you well deserve. Thank you for everything!
- Alyric Bell (UNITE-LA)
Dr. Ross,
Deep gratitude for your leadership and commitment to equity and justice.
Thank you for all of the years of big ideas and humble connection.
Wishing you health and happiness in your well deserved retirement.
Dr. Ross!
You are fantastic!
Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl
We wish you well wishes.
- Brotherhood Crusade
Blessed to be a part of your celebration and life, Bob!
Bob!
Sending love and thanks to you - a role model for the good.
- Robin
Wishing you an abundance of love, harmony, health, and happiness.
Hey Bob!
Best wishes for what’s next! Love you!
Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report
The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.
View Report