We are dismantling the cradle-to-prison pipeline for children of color and children in poverty through education. We empower youth by addressing over-representation in our incarceration systems. We support education milestones by fostering aspirations and inspiring parents and professionals to help break the cycle of poverty and systemic injustice. Our programs cultivate connection and help create a vibrant and inclusive community that values diversity and promotes equity.
Although less than 24% of the El Paso County population consists of people of color, nonwhite youth, especially Back youth, are more likely than white youth to be overrepresented at every level of the justice system. Reducing these racial and ethnic disparities across all systems is the “why” behind our work.
Our inspiration and goals are for all children to reach their full potential and thrive in a community that welcomes and embraces educational equity. We believe it’s within our reach to break the cycle of poverty, incarceration, and health inequities for children of color and children in poverty.
To open doors to academic excellence and pave the way to brighter, more equitable futures, ECOC has awarded $628,000 in scholarships and educational gifts since its inception. We will award another $86,500 in scholarships at the 18th Annual Summit on Jan. 25, 2025.
“The ECOC Summit got me thinking about implicit bias through different cultural lenses. I learned how to stay strong in a time of backlash, and how to challenge the attack on racial equity and justice.” — ECOC Summit Participant
Phone: 719.640.6633