Who we are
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
We envision a future where formerly incarcerated and system-impacted youth lead transformative change in their communities, shaping policies, programs, and practices that build equity, healing, and purpose. Through intentional capacity building, youth-led initiatives, and civic engagement,
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
We are dedicated to disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline by empowering justice-impacted youth through culturally relevant leadership development, entrepreneurship training, strategic mentorship, and personal growth. We position youth with lived experience as co-creators and leaders in the work we do, ensuring programs are peer-developed and peer-led.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
Our Purpose
Access to Excellence exists to:
1. Interrupt cycles of incarceration by equipping youth with tools for sustainable success.
2. Center lived experience in program design and leadership.
3. Support personal transformation through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
4. Promote healing, identity development, and
Access to Excellence exists to:
1. Interrupt cycles of incarceration by equipping youth with tools for sustainable success.
2. Center lived experience in program design and leadership.
3. Support personal transformation through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
4. Promote healing, identity development, and wellness.
5. Create space for youth to engage civically and advocate for systemic reform.
Our Pillars
Lived Experience
Lived Experience
Lived Experience
We honor the power of lived experience as a tool for healing, transformation, and mentorship. Our programs are led by those who’ve walked the path—turning their past into purpose and guiding others to do the same.
Leadership
Lived Experience
Lived Experience
We develop leaders who lead with purpose, compassion, and accountability. Youth gain the tools to influence their environments, make ethical decisions, and model integrity in every area of life.
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
We empower youth to find their voice, understand their rights, and become active participants in shaping the communities they live in. Through advocacy, education, and service, they learn to lead change from the inside out.
Entrepreneurship
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
We cultivate a mindset of ownership and innovation. Youth learn how to turn ideas into action—building skills in business, financial literacy, and creative problem-solving to chart their own economic futures.
Support Our Youth for a Brighter Future
Your generous support helps us provide resources for those experiencing incarceration.
Be a Disruptor
All merch purchased go to support efforts to create opportunities for youth in the school to prison pipeline.