By Shad M. Hagan, MS, founder of Bridges Built By Us, leads a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the criminal history question from college applications, ensuring justice-impacted individuals have equitable access to higher education and opportunities to transform their futures.
Shad M. Hagan, MS, Drives Policy Reform to Remove Barriers to Higher Education
United States, 23rd Nov 2024 – Bridges Built By Us, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Shad M. Hagan, MS, is tackling systemic inequities in higher education admissions. With a mission to eliminate the criminal history question from college applications, the nonprofit advocates for policy changes that empower justice-impacted individuals to pursue transformative educational opportunities without fear of discrimination.
“Our vision is simple but urgent: higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their past,” said Shad M. Hagan, MS, founder of Bridges Built By Us. “We’re working to create a system that values potential over mistakes, giving people the tools to rebuild their lives through education.”
Advocating for Systemic Change
The criminal history question on college applications often discourages justice-impacted individuals from pursuing education, perpetuating cycles of inequity and limiting their ability to succeed. Bridges Built By Us is leading the effort to remove this barrier, ensuring fair admissions practices that prioritize inclusivity.
Key initiatives include:
- Policy Advocacy: Partnering with lawmakers, institutions, and communities to eliminate the criminal history question and implement equitable admissions policies.
- Educational Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the harmful effects of discriminatory practices in education.
- Collaboration with Colleges: Working with higher education institutions to adopt inclusive policies that focus on merit and potential.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of incarceration and inequality,” Hagan explained. “Removing discriminatory questions is a critical step in leveling the playing field for justice-impacted individuals.”
Empowering Individuals Through Advocacy
At the heart of Bridges Built By Us is a commitment to empowering justice-impacted individuals to share their stories and advocate for change. As a nonprofit founded and led by those with lived experience, the organization brings an authentic perspective to its work, fostering understanding and action.
Empowerment programs include:
- Mentorship and Resources: Offering guidance to help individuals navigate the admissions process.
- Storytelling Platforms: Providing spaces for justice-impacted individuals to share their journeys and raise awareness.
- Community Building: Connecting individuals with supportive networks to help them succeed in education and beyond.
“Our lived experiences drive our mission,” Hagan said. “We understand the obstacles firsthand and are determined to create pathways to opportunity for others.”
Raising Awareness to Drive Change
Bridges Built By Us is also focused on educating the public and policymakers about the impact of criminal history questions on access to education and reentry success. By highlighting the stories of those affected, the nonprofit inspires greater understanding and action.
“Awareness is a catalyst for change,” Hagan emphasized. “When people see the harm caused by these policies, they’re more likely to support equitable solutions.”
Building a Future Without Barriers
The ultimate vision of Bridges Built By Us is a future where criminal history is no longer a barrier to education. The nonprofit envisions a fairer admissions process that values individuals’ potential and provides a foundation for lasting success.
By addressing systemic discrimination in higher education, Bridges Built By Us is helping to unlock opportunities for justice-impacted individuals to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Join the Movement
Bridges Built By Us invites individuals, institutions, and organizations to join its mission of creating equitable access to education. Supporters can contribute by:
- Advocating for policy changes to eliminate discriminatory admissions questions.
- Sharing information to raise awareness about the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals.
- Offering resources and mentorship to help individuals succeed in their educational journeys.
“Together, we can create a system that uplifts everyone and ensures education is a tool for transformation,” Hagan said.
About Bridges Built By Us
Bridges Built By Us is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to higher education for justice-impacted individuals. Founded by Shad M. Hagan, MS, the nonprofit advocates for policy reform, raises awareness, and empowers individuals to pursue education and transform their futures.
To learn more or get involved, visit https://bridgesbuiltbyus.org/.
Media Contact
Organization: BRIDGES BUILT BY US
Contact Person: Shad M. Hagan, MS
Website: https://bridgesbuiltbyus.org/
Email: Send Email
Country:United States
Release id:20255
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