ScholarCHIPS Marks 15 Years of Breaking Educational Barriers

Since 2024, the nonprofit has utilized Securus Technologies’ network of 550,000 secure tablets to push information directly to incarcerated parents. The impact of this digital outreach is measurable: application volume has surged by more than 900 percent. This influx of interest has allowed the organization to move beyond its Washington, D.C. roots, with this year's class representing 11 states.

Founder Yasmine Arrington Brooks notes that the partnership provides a vital conduit for families who were previously unreachable. Beyond the logistical expansion, Securus is contributing $50,000 in direct scholarship funding. Since its inception, ScholarCHIPS has distributed over $700,000 to more than 120 scholars, providing a safety net that includes mental health resources, professional development, and emergency support. For Shamia Lodge, Director of Community Engagement at Securus, the goal is to transform technology from a basic communication tool into a bridge for generational change.