In 2007, the Minority Over-representation Committee of the Best Practices Court decided to adopt a new approach to address the issue of minority over-representation across our systems.

Our research documented that children and youth of color are more likely to be poor than their white peers; more likely to be involved in the child welfare system; more likely to age out of the foster care system without permanence; less likely to graduate on time; more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system; and ultimately more likely to be involved in the adult system of justice.

Based on that research our approach focuses on ensuring that children and youth have support to successfully achieve educational milestones as a key to escaping poverty and “our systems." 

We made a goal to encourage all youth to pursue higher education, to support teachers to be successful educators, and educate parents on what it takes to be college ready and to hold your child and your child’s school accountable. 

The first Educating Children of Color Summit took place in January of 2008.  Approximately 350 educators, students, parents, and juvenile justice and child welfare professionals attended the first summit. 

Since then, attendance has increased dramatically. In 2019, there were in excess of 1700 in attendance to include 600 educators, 100 parents, 800 youth, 100 presenters and 100 volunteers.