Spring is on the way! How do we know? We’re hearing about education advocates planning rallies, bus rides to Annapolis, and petitions to keep education funding cuts at bay as state lawmakers craft their budgets. One such organization is the Baltimore Algebra Project, a student-run and -organized program founded to provide math tutoring to elementary and middle school students. The group also advocates for public education funding and an end to the “school to prison pipeline.”
Governor O’Malley has proposed to spend $280 million to construct three new detention facilities for youth tried as adults and women. On Thursday, March 4, the Baltimore Algebra Project, Peer-to-Peer organizations, and several other advocacy and activist groups are organizing a rally to demand that $100 million be diverted youth employment opportunities. This “March on Youth Jails” will occur from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Camden Yards. For more information, visit the official Facebook group (Prison is the 13th Grade) or event page (March on Youth Jails).