ECOC’s mission is to dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline for youth of color and youth in poverty through education. We envision a world where all children reach their potential and no individual’s value is discounted because of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. We provide a Leadership Academy for youth in grades 8-12; financial aid and scholarship writing workshops; free SAT tutoring; and have awarded $786,000 in scholarships.
Children of Color are overrepresented in negative outcomes in terms of poverty, educational attainment, school discipline, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Education has the potential to disrupt those outcomes. By exposing youth to higher education and career opportunities ECOC’s programs arm students for success. Our programs also educate adults in order to increase equity and youth achievement.
ECOC’s goals are to increase the number of youth in the Leadership Academy from 500 to 600. A $30 donation covers the cost of supplies for a student in the program for 9 months. $100 covers the cost of three students going to the Zoo. $500 sponsors a laptop, and $1,000 supports a scholarship.
More than 90 percent of at-risk kids who participate in our Leadership Academy program for grades 8-12 say the program inspired them to go to college, join the military, or pursue a vocational career.
“ECOC has played an indispensable role in my own personal journey to 'be the light.' Their focus on equity, justice, and community leadership has provided me with so much insight into how I can help brighten the world a little bit at a time.” — 2026 ECOC Summit attendee.
Phone: (719) 640-6633