Online class and the laziness of a Zoom lecture has become second nature for most students. Rolling out of bed with 10 minutes to spare, grabbing some coffee, devouring breakfast, then opening up the computer and joining a virtual classroom is the new and mundane norm for education. But for the members of the nonprofit organization Underground GRIT, the virtual platform has become a gateway for improved opportunities for incarcerated youth. 

Underground GRIT (UG), based in the city of Orange, was founded in 2019 by Crystal Anthony and Suzanne Campbell. After years of volunteering at juvenile detention facilities, the duo had the idea to establish a reentry program to help formerly incarcerated young adults discover educational opportunities, undergo vocational training and seek therapy and mentoring. Sharon Tang, a Chapman alumna and program manager of UG, described the organization as a well-rounded space for youth to receive the tools necessary for continuing life outside of confinement.

“Underground GRIT is a non-profit organization that dedicates our mission and values to helping people who are coming home from juvenile halls, jails and prisons,” Tang said. “People could learn a lot from the incredible resilience that our members have. When they are able to express themselves through academic work like essay writing and have school as an outlet, that’s what it’s all about.”

According to their website, the organization states they “recognize the gaps in (the) system and the needs of (the) most vulnerable individuals and families.” 

Chapman sociology professor Victoria Carty witnessed this described gap firsthand through her time working at Orange County Juvenile Hall, saying that education is not a one-size-fits-all method and educators must be more personable in order to meet each student “at their own pace.” 

Carty told The Panther that the best way to handle the systemic issue is to align Chapman with Underground GRIT and create college-level classes for these young adults, spearheading a collaboration where the formerly incarcerated can participate in classes taught by Chapman faculty. Through these courses, students can receive a certificate of completion and also achieve the credits necessary to transfer to a four-year university. 

“I found that we needed new ways of teaching and interacting with students who have fallen through the cracks,” Carty said. “The formal education system fails certain students. A lot of times I worry that students aren’t dropping out — they are pushed out.”

Carty herself taught classes based on the societal impacts of race and class through Underground GRIT and described her experience as therapeutic for both her and her students. 

“They spoke about their backgrounds, the pain they have experienced (and) how they are overcoming the pain society has put on them that has held them back,” Carty said. “To give them an outlet for writing, to put it on paper, vocalize it and see it’s real and not mask it is a healing process.” 

Chapman alumnus Greg Barraza teaches an English class through Underground GRIT and told The Panther that the transformation of the program's youth in realizing their capabilities and talents is the most impactful aspect of the organization.

“You can’t quantify how we have changed their lives, but you can definitely see it in how they talk, how they think and the look on their faces,” Barraza said. “It instills a sense of pride for the members and also a sense of hope. Even virtually, you can see the change that is happening.”

Chapman President Daniele Struppa has also volunteered his time to teach a math class to the students every Saturday morning. A student in Struppa’s class, Adrian Vela, said he believed the courses were beneficial, as he has seen success amongst what he described as a tightly knit family of peers.

“The best way to describe it is as family; they are there for us through thick and thin and never judge us in any way,” Vela said. “I see them and it gives me hope. If I do the same, I could be the same and also be a role model for the next one.”